HLAL vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HLAL (Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - HLAL tracks the FTSE Shariah USA Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HLAL returned 15.86%/yr vs 15.11%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HLAL charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

HLAL vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF (HLAL) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HLAL achieves a 18.72% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return.

HLAL

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 9.45%
• YTD: 18.72%
• 6M: 17.75%
• 1Y: 43.63%
• 3Y*: 22.04%
• 5Y*: 15.86%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

HLAL vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
HLAL Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF	18.72%	18.30%	16.70%	30.13%	-17.56%	28.64%	24.65%	10.96%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	8.73%

Correlation

The correlation between HLAL and VUG is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 17, 2019	0.92

The correlation between HLAL and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

HLAL vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HLAL	VUG
Technology	50.4%	53.5%
Communication Services	16.7%	17.3%
Healthcare	10.5%	4.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.6%	12.2%
Industrials	4.6%	3.6%
Energy	4.5%	0.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	1.5%
Basic Materials	2.5%	0.6%
Utilities	1.0%	0.9%
Real Estate	0.8%	1.0%
Financial Services	0.0%	4.3%

Return for Risk

HLAL vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

HLAL

HLAL Risk / Return Rank: 88
HLAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
HLAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
HLAL Omega Ratio Rank: 90
HLAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
HLAL Martin Ratio Rank: 88

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

HLAL vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF (HLAL) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	HLAL	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.33	1.77	+1.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.62	2.40	+2.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.59	1.31	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.30	1.69	+2.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.85	5.92	+13.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HLAL vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HLAL Sharpe Ratio is 3.33, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HLAL and VUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HLAL	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.33	1.77	+1.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91	0.68	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	0.62	+0.28

Drawdowns

HLAL vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HLAL drawdown since its inception was -33.57%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HLAL and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	HLAL	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.57%	-50.68%	+17.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.20%	-16.53%	+6.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.67%	-22.85%	+1.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.18%	-35.61%	+12.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-1.51%	+1.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.00%	-7.09%	+2.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.20%	4.71%	-2.51%

Volatility

HLAL vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF (HLAL) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 3.70% and 3.83%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HLAL	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.70%	3.83%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.95%	12.11%	-2.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.17%	15.84%	-2.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.60%	22.22%	-4.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.21%	21.44%	-1.23%

HLAL vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

HLAL has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

HLAL vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

HLAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HLAL Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF	0.44%	0.53%	0.58%	0.72%	1.15%	0.78%	0.97%	0.72%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HLAL and VUG in my portfolio?

HLAL and VUG have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HLAL or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to HLAL (3.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HLAL dropped -33.57% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, HLAL or VUG?

On 5-year performance, HLAL leads with 15.86% vs 15.11% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, HLAL has been the lower-risk option at 3.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HLAL or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, HLAL has performed better with a 15.86% return vs 15.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HLAL or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for HLAL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HLAL or VUG?

HLAL has the higher dividend yield at 0.44%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between HLAL and VUG?

HLAL tracks FTSE Shariah USA Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Wahed and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for HLAL and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HLAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.33 vs 1.77), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.