IQM vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IQM (Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. IQM is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IQM returned 22.22%/yr vs 15.11%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IQM charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

IQM vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM) 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, IQM achieves a 40.18% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return.

IQM

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 11.94%
• YTD: 40.18%
• 6M: 38.57%
• 1Y: 75.07%
• 3Y*: 37.62%
• 5Y*: 22.22%
• 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)

IQM vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IQM Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF	40.18%	30.76%	31.03%	41.06%	-33.36%	25.18%	78.48%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	45.46%

Correlation

The correlation between IQM and VUG is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2020	0.89

The correlation between IQM and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.80 (1 year) to 0.90 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IQM vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IQM	VUG
Technology	65.9%	53.5%
Industrials	19.9%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	12.2%
Utilities	3.3%	0.9%
Energy	2.7%	0.4%
Communication Services	2.1%	17.3%
Healthcare	1.1%	4.6%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.5%
Financial Services	-	4.3%
Real Estate	-	1.0%

Return for Risk

IQM vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQM

IQM Risk / Return Rank: 78
IQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
IQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
IQM Omega Ratio Rank: 71
IQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
IQM Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

IQM vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM) 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.

	IQM	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.67	1.77	+0.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	2.40	+0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.31	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.13	1.69	+3.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.79	5.92	+10.86
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IQM vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQM Sharpe Ratio is 2.67, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQM 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

	IQM	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.67	1.77	+0.90
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77	0.68	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.96	0.62	+0.34

Drawdowns

IQM vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQM drawdown since its inception was -44.91%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQM and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQM	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.91%	-50.68%	+5.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.71%	-16.53%	+1.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.42%	-22.85%	-7.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.91%	-35.61%	-9.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.37%	-1.51%	+1.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.25%	-7.09%	-5.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.49%	4.71%	-0.22%

Volatility

IQM vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM) has a higher volatility of 9.20% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 3.83%. This indicates that IQM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQM	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.20%	3.83%	+5.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.92%	12.11%	+10.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.27%	15.84%	+12.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.91%	22.22%	+6.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.72%	21.44%	+9.28%

IQM vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

IQM vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

IQM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.37%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IQM Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.17%	0.01%	0.00%	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 IQM and VUG in my portfolio?

IQM and VUG have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IQM or VUG?

IQM has higher volatility (9.20%) compared to VUG (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQM dropped -44.91% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, IQM or VUG?

On 5-year performance, IQM leads with 22.22% vs 15.11% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 3.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQM or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, IQM has performed better with a 22.22% return vs 15.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQM or VUG?

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

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.00% for IQM.

What is the main difference between IQM and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for IQM and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 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.