IWLG vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

IWLG (NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. IWLG is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IWLG returned 21.15%/yr vs 22.62%/yr for VUG. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IWLG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

IWLG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF (IWLG) 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, IWLG achieves a 1.43% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 3.21% return.

IWLG

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: -1.59%
• YTD: 1.43%
• 6M: -0.03%
• 1Y: 8.98%
• 3Y*: 21.15%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -4.24%
• YTD: 3.21%
• 6M: 1.71%
• 1Y: 17.93%
• 3Y*: 22.62%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 17.99%

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

IWLG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IWLG NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF	1.43%	14.73%	31.47%	43.25%	1.48%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.21%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-3.85%

Correlation

The correlation between IWLG and VUG is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2022	0.97

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

IWLG vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWLG	VUG
Technology	49.3%	53.5%
Industrials	14.8%	3.6%
Communication Services	12.3%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.8%	12.2%
Healthcare	5.5%	4.6%
Financial Services	5.2%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	1.8%	1.5%
Utilities	1.2%	0.9%
Basic Materials	1.2%	0.6%
Energy	-	0.4%
Real Estate	-	1.0%

Return for Risk

IWLG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWLG

IWLG Risk / Return Rank: 16
IWLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
IWLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
IWLG Omega Ratio Rank: 16
IWLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
IWLG Martin Ratio Rank: 16

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 29
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

IWLG vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF (IWLG) 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.

	IWLG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.51	1.07	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.80	1.52	-0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.19	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.46	1.09	-0.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.39	3.69	-2.30

IWLG vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWLG Sharpe Ratio is 0.51, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWLG 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

IWLG vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWLG drawdown since its inception was -23.19%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWLG and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWLG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.19%	-50.68%	+27.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.45%	-16.53%	-2.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.19%	-22.85%	-0.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.28%	-7.15%	+1.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.56%	-7.09%	+2.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.47%	4.86%	+1.61%

Volatility

IWLG vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF (IWLG) has a higher volatility of 7.68% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.85%. This indicates that IWLG'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

	IWLG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.68%	6.85%	+0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.93%	13.37%	+0.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.63%	16.88%	+0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.13%	22.38%	-1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.13%	21.50%	-0.37%

IWLG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

IWLG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

IWLG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWLG NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	1.34%	0.01%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.40%	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 IWLG and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, IWLG 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, IWLG or VUG?

IWLG has higher volatility (7.68%) compared to VUG (6.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWLG dropped -23.19% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, IWLG or VUG?

On 3-year performance, VUG leads with 22.62% vs 21.15% for IWLG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWLG or VUG?

Over the 3-year period, VUG has performed better with a 22.62% return vs 21.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWLG or VUG?

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

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.40%, compared with 0.00% for IWLG.

What is the main difference between IWLG and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: NYLI and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for IWLG and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.07 vs 0.51), 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.