JQUA vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

JQUA (JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - JQUA tracks the JP Morgan US Quality Factor Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, JQUA returned 13.92%/yr vs 15.17%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JQUA charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

JQUA vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF (JQUA) 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, JQUA achieves a 14.16% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.78% return.

JQUA

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 7.20%
• YTD: 14.16%
• 6M: 14.37%
• 1Y: 22.69%
• 3Y*: 20.64%
• 5Y*: 13.92%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 5.75%
• YTD: 9.78%
• 6M: 8.99%
• 1Y: 27.72%
• 3Y*: 26.10%
• 5Y*: 15.17%
• 10Y*: 18.25%

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

JQUA vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
JQUA JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF	14.16%	11.69%	21.21%	25.13%	-13.45%	28.68%	16.56%	28.47%	-2.98%	5.07%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.78%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	2.54%

Correlation

The correlation between JQUA and VUG is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2017	0.83

The correlation between JQUA and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.77 (1 year) to 0.87 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

JQUA vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JQUA	VUG
Technology	41.9%	53.5%
Financial Services	10.2%	4.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.2%	12.2%
Industrials	7.6%	3.6%
Healthcare	7.2%	4.6%
Communication Services	5.5%	17.3%
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	1.5%
Energy	3.2%	0.4%
Utilities	2.3%	0.9%
Real Estate	2.1%	1.0%
Basic Materials	0.8%	0.6%

Return for Risk

JQUA vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

JQUA

JQUA Risk / Return Rank: 64
JQUA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
JQUA Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
JQUA Omega Ratio Rank: 58
JQUA Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
JQUA Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 45
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

JQUA vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF (JQUA) 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.

	JQUA	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	1.76	+0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.39	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.31	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.20	1.68	+1.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.48	5.90	+7.59
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JQUA vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JQUA Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JQUA 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

	JQUA	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.03	1.76	+0.28
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90	0.69	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	0.62	+0.21

Drawdowns

JQUA vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JQUA drawdown since its inception was -32.92%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JQUA and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	JQUA	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.92%	-50.68%	+17.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.13%	-16.53%	+9.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.81%	-22.85%	+6.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.47%	-35.61%	+13.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	-1.25%	+0.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.16%	-7.09%	+2.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.69%	4.71%	-3.02%

Volatility

JQUA vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF (JQUA) is 2.82%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.81%. This indicates that JQUA 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

	JQUA	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.82%	3.81%	-0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.31%	12.11%	-3.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.20%	15.83%	-4.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.61%	22.21%	-6.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.99%	21.44%	-3.45%

JQUA vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

JQUA has a 0.12% 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

JQUA vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

JQUA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.07%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JQUA JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF	1.07%	1.19%	1.24%	1.21%	1.60%	1.32%	1.44%	1.67%	2.10%	0.40%	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 JQUA and VUG in my portfolio?

JQUA and VUG have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JQUA or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.81%) compared to JQUA (2.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JQUA dropped -32.92% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, JQUA or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 15.17% vs 13.92% for JQUA. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, JQUA has been the lower-risk option at 2.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JQUA or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 15.17% return vs 13.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JQUA or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for JQUA.

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

JQUA has the higher dividend yield at 1.07%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between JQUA and VUG?

JQUA tracks JP Morgan US Quality Factor Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for JQUA and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JQUA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.76), 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.