IJK vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IJK (iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IJK is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IJK returned 12.03%/yr vs 18.28%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IJK charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

IJK vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) 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, IJK achieves a 20.35% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.76% return. Over the past 10 years, IJK has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 12.03%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.28% annualized return.

IJK

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 4.15%
• YTD: 20.35%
• 6M: 17.46%
• 1Y: 32.45%
• 3Y*: 18.28%
• 5Y*: 8.76%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

VUG

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 5.76%
• 6M: 5.17%
• 1Y: 24.00%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 13.40%
• 10Y*: 18.28%

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

IJK vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IJK iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF	20.35%	7.28%	15.68%	17.41%	-19.03%	18.68%	22.45%	25.96%	-10.53%	19.64%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.76%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between IJK and VUG is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.85

The correlation between IJK and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (1 year) to 0.85 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IJK vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJK	VUG
Industrials	30.2%	3.6%
Technology	24.8%	53.5%
Healthcare	13.7%	4.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	12.2%
Financial Services	6.7%	4.3%
Real Estate	5.3%	1.0%
Basic Materials	3.5%	0.6%
Energy	3.2%	0.4%
Utilities	2.0%	0.9%
Consumer Defensive	1.8%	1.5%
Communication Services	1.4%	17.3%

Return for Risk

IJK vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJK

IJK Risk / Return Rank: 61
IJK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
IJK Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
IJK Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IJK Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
IJK Martin Ratio Rank: 71

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 37
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

IJK vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	IJK	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.44	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	1.97	+0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.25	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.28	1.46	+1.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.90	4.99	+7.91

IJK vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJK Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJK 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.

Drawdowns

IJK vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJK drawdown since its inception was -54.47%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJK and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJK	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.47%	-50.68%	-3.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.92%	-16.53%	+6.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.63%	-22.85%	-2.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.24%	-35.61%	+6.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.25%	-35.61%	-3.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-4.86%	+4.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.78%	-7.09%	-3.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.52%	4.82%	-2.30%

Volatility

IJK vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) is 5.57%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.55%. This indicates that IJK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJK	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.57%	6.55%	-0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.76%	13.32%	+0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.56%	16.80%	+0.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.77%	22.36%	-1.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.11%	21.53%	-0.42%

IJK vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJK has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IJK vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

IJK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.52%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJK iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF	0.52%	0.66%	0.79%	1.13%	1.08%	0.50%	0.70%	1.09%	1.13%	0.93%	1.15%	1.12%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	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 IJK and VUG in my portfolio?

IJK and VUG have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IJK or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.55%) compared to IJK (5.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJK dropped -54.47% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, IJK or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.28% vs 12.03% for IJK. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, IJK has been the lower-risk option at 5.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJK or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.28% return vs 12.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJK or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.17% for IJK.

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

IJK has the higher dividend yield at 0.52%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between IJK and VUG?

IJK is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. IJK tracks S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.17% for IJK and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IJK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.44), 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.