JUST vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

JUST (Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - JUST tracks the JUST US Large Cap Diversified Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, JUST returned 13.44%/yr vs 14.13%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JUST charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

JUST vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (JUST) 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, JUST achieves a 11.11% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 7.09% return.

JUST

• 1D: 1.07%
• 1M: 2.31%
• YTD: 11.11%
• 6M: 12.74%
• 1Y: 27.82%
• 3Y*: 20.91%
• 5Y*: 13.44%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: 1.60%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 7.09%
• 6M: 8.52%
• 1Y: 24.92%
• 3Y*: 23.71%
• 5Y*: 14.13%
• 10Y*: 18.13%

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

JUST vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
JUST Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	11.11%	17.60%	23.73%	24.86%	-17.88%	26.89%	19.59%	31.54%	-9.96%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.09%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-11.76%

Correlation

The correlation between JUST and VUG is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2018	0.92

The correlation between JUST and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

JUST vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JUST	VUG
Technology	37.9%	53.5%
Financial Services	12.2%	4.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	12.2%
Healthcare	8.8%	4.6%
Communication Services	8.4%	17.3%
Industrials	8.1%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.2%	1.5%
Energy	3.5%	0.4%
Utilities	2.5%	0.9%
Basic Materials	2.1%	0.6%
Real Estate	2.0%	1.0%

Return for Risk

JUST vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

JUST

JUST Risk / Return Rank: 74
JUST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
JUST Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
JUST Omega Ratio Rank: 74
JUST Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
JUST Martin Ratio Rank: 79

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 39
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 43
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

JUST vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (JUST) 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.

	JUST	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.25	1.50	+0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	2.05	+1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.26	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	1.51	+1.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.38	5.19	+9.19

JUST vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JUST Sharpe Ratio is 2.25, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JUST 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

JUST vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JUST drawdown since its inception was -33.83%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JUST and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	JUST	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.83%	-50.68%	+16.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.76%	-16.53%	+7.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.34%	-22.85%	+3.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.72%	-35.61%	+10.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.21%	-3.67%	+2.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.09%	-7.09%	+2.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	4.81%	-2.87%

Volatility

JUST vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (JUST) is 4.55%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.56%. This indicates that JUST 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

	JUST	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.55%	6.56%	-2.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.87%	13.38%	-3.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.42%	16.72%	-4.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.87%	22.35%	-5.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.12%	21.51%	-2.39%

JUST vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

JUST has a 0.20% 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

JUST vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

JUST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.94%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JUST Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	0.94%	1.02%	1.11%	1.37%	1.51%	1.07%	1.36%	1.86%	1.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 JUST and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, JUST 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, JUST or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.56%) compared to JUST (4.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JUST dropped -33.83% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, JUST or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 14.13% vs 13.44% for JUST. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, JUST has been the lower-risk option at 4.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JUST or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 14.13% return vs 13.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JUST or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for JUST.

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

JUST has the higher dividend yield at 0.94%, compared with 0.38% for VUG.

What is the main difference between JUST and VUG?

JUST tracks JUST US Large Cap Diversified Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for JUST and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JUST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 1.50), 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.