IWF vs. VWUAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IWF (iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF) and VWUAX (Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, IWF returned 18.49%/yr vs 16.19%/yr for VWUAX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IWF charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for VWUAX.

Performance

IWF vs. VWUAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) and Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWUAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWF achieves a 7.11% return, which is significantly higher than VWUAX's 4.81% return. Over the past 10 years, IWF has outperformed VWUAX with an annualized return of 18.49%, while VWUAX has yielded a comparatively lower 16.19% annualized return.

IWF

• 1D: -1.29%
• 1M: 5.68%
• YTD: 7.11%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 25.60%
• 3Y*: 24.80%
• 5Y*: 15.24%
• 10Y*: 18.49%

VWUAX

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 5.92%
• YTD: 4.81%
• 6M: 3.39%
• 1Y: 17.83%
• 3Y*: 22.40%
• 5Y*: 7.20%
• 10Y*: 16.19%

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

IWF vs. VWUAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF	7.11%	18.33%	33.12%	42.59%	-29.31%	27.43%	38.25%	35.86%	-1.67%	29.95%
VWUAX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares	4.81%	15.49%	31.79%	45.32%	-39.58%	2.43%	58.80%	48.42%	0.77%	31.26%

Correlation

The correlation between IWF and VWUAX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 14, 2001	0.96

The correlation between IWF and VWUAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

IWF vs. VWUAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWF	VWUAX
Technology	53.2%	45.1%
Consumer Cyclical	12.7%	12.4%
Communication Services	12.3%	16.2%
Healthcare	7.0%	10.3%
Industrials	5.0%	5.6%
Financial Services	4.9%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	1.2%
Utilities	1.1%	0.5%
Real Estate	0.4%	1.3%
Energy	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	0.3%	0.4%

Return for Risk

IWF vs. VWUAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWF

IWF Risk / Return Rank: 40
IWF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
IWF Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
IWF Omega Ratio Rank: 44
IWF Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
IWF Martin Ratio Rank: 34

VWUAX

VWUAX Risk / Return Rank: 13
VWUAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
VWUAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
VWUAX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
VWUAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
VWUAX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

IWF vs. VWUAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) and Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWUAX). 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.

	IWF	VWUAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	1.11	+0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	1.58	+0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.20	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	0.97	+0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.28	2.88	+2.41
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IWF vs. VWUAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWF Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is higher than the VWUAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWF and VWUAX, 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

	IWF	VWUAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.67	1.11	+0.55
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72	0.29	+0.43
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88	0.69	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.41	-0.02

Drawdowns

IWF vs. VWUAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWF drawdown since its inception was -64.25%, which is greater than VWUAX's maximum drawdown of -50.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWF and VWUAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWF	VWUAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.25%	-50.37%	-13.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.27%	-19.12%	+2.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.36%	-25.01%	+1.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.72%	-50.17%	+17.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.72%	-50.17%	+17.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.66%	-0.76%	-0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.08%	-12.82%	-9.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.86%	6.41%	-1.55%

Volatility

IWF vs. VWUAX - Volatility Comparison

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) and Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWUAX) have volatilities of 3.61% and 3.66%, 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

	IWF	VWUAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.61%	3.66%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.66%	12.49%	-0.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.44%	16.60%	-1.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.40%	24.93%	-3.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.97%	23.71%	-2.74%

IWF vs. VWUAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWF has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than VWUAX's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

IWF vs. VWUAX - Dividend Comparison

IWF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than VWUAX's 9.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.33%	0.36%	0.46%	0.67%	0.91%	0.49%	0.66%	0.99%	1.27%	1.10%	1.43%	1.37%
VWUAX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares	9.06%	9.50%	4.70%	0.37%	0.49%	3.60%	4.00%	13.28%	9.80%	4.63%	1.67%	9.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWF and VWUAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, IWF and VWUAX 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, IWF or VWUAX?

VWUAX has higher volatility (3.66%) compared to IWF (3.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWF dropped -64.25% vs VWUAX's -50.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.11), 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.