IUSG vs. VUG

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

IUSG (iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - IUSG tracks the S&P 900 Growth Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IUSG returned 17.47%/yr vs 17.79%/yr for VUG. Their 0.97 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. IUSG charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

IUSG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) 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, IUSG achieves a 15.36% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.81% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IUSG having a 17.47% annualized return and VUG not far ahead at 17.79%.

IUSG

• 1D: 2.35%
• 1M: 4.31%
• 6M: 15.91%
• YTD: 15.36%
• 1Y: 24.84%
• 3Y*: 26.32%
• 5Y*: 13.72%
• 10Y*: 17.47%
• ALL TIME*: 8.28%

VUG

• 1D: 2.31%
• 1M: 4.20%
• 6M: 13.15%
• YTD: 9.81%
• 1Y: 18.35%
• 3Y*: 24.22%
• 5Y*: 12.88%
• 10Y*: 17.79%
• ALL TIME*: 12.30%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	$105.58M	$92.91M	$100.13M
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	$557.36M	$649.80M	$660.09M

IUSG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	15.36%	21.23%	34.70%	29.28%	-28.81%	31.26%	32.65%	30.62%	-0.79%	27.02%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.81%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between IUSG and VUG is 0.98 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.97

The correlation between IUSG and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

IUSG vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IUSG	VUG
Technology	50.9%	56.2%
Communication Services	14.9%	15.4%
Financial Services	8.6%	3.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	11.5%
Industrials	7.7%	5.3%
Healthcare	6.5%	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	1.4%
Real Estate	0.8%	1.0%
Basic Materials	0.5%	0.5%
Utilities	0.4%	0.7%
Energy	0.2%	0.3%

Return for Risk

IUSG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

IUSG

IUSG Risk / Return Rank: 49
IUSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
IUSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
IUSG Omega Ratio Rank: 47
IUSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
IUSG Martin Ratio Rank: 54

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 35
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

IUSG vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) 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.

	IUSG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.04	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	1.51	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.19	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	1.12	+0.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.08	3.54	+3.54

IUSG vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IUSG Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IUSG 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

IUSG vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IUSG drawdown since its inception was -63.41%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IUSG and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IUSG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.41%	-50.68%	-12.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.07%	-16.53%	+3.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.28%	-22.85%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.21%	-35.61%	+3.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.35%	-35.61%	+3.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.22%	+1.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.32%	-7.08%	-14.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.52%	5.20%	-1.68%

Volatility

IUSG vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 6.53% and 6.22%, 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

	IUSG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.53%	6.22%	+0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.85%	14.55%	+0.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.94%	17.86%	+0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.24%	22.55%	-1.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.57%	21.58%	-1.01%

IUSG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IUSG has a 0.04% 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

IUSG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

IUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.48%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IUSG iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF	0.48%	0.53%	0.59%	1.12%	1.07%	0.59%	0.93%	1.64%	1.32%	1.28%	1.48%	1.29%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	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 IUSG and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, IUSG and VUG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IUSG or VUG?

IUSG has higher volatility (6.53%) compared to VUG (6.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IUSG dropped -63.41% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, IUSG or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 17.79% vs 17.47% for IUSG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IUSG or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 17.79% return vs 17.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IUSG or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.04% for IUSG.

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

IUSG has the higher dividend yield at 0.48%, compared with 0.38% for VUG.

What is the main difference between IUSG and VUG?

IUSG tracks S&P 900 Growth Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for IUSG and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IUSG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs 1.04), 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.