JXX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

JXX (Janus Henderson Transformational Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. JXX is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past year, JXX returned 34.17% vs 24.92% for VUG. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JXX charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

JXX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson Transformational Growth ETF (JXX) 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, JXX achieves a 17.45% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 7.09% return.

JXX

• 1D: 1.84%
• 1M: 7.18%
• YTD: 17.45%
• 6M: 18.10%
• 1Y: 34.17%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: 1.60%
• 1M: -0.48%
• YTD: 7.09%
• 6M: 7.04%
• 1Y: 24.92%
• 3Y*: 23.71%
• 5Y*: 14.13%
• 10Y*: 18.13%

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

JXX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
JXX Janus Henderson Transformational Growth ETF	17.45%	11.61%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.09%	16.80%

Correlation

The correlation between JXX and VUG is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2025	0.85

The correlation between JXX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

JXX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

JXX

JXX Risk / Return Rank: 44
JXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
JXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
JXX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
JXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
JXX Martin Ratio Rank: 40

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 39
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

JXX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson Transformational Growth ETF (JXX) 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.

	JXX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.50	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	2.05	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.26	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	1.51	+0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.08	5.19	+0.89

JXX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JXX Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JXX 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

JXX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JXX drawdown since its inception was -23.73%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JXX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	JXX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.73%	-50.68%	+26.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.02%	-16.53%	-1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.85%	—
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	-2.16%	-3.67%	+1.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.43%	-7.09%	+1.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.64%	4.81%	+0.83%

Volatility

JXX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Janus Henderson Transformational Growth ETF (JXX) has a higher volatility of 8.53% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.56%. This indicates that JXX'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

	JXX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.53%	6.56%	+1.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.93%	13.38%	+3.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.33%	16.72%	+4.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.67%	22.35%	+2.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.67%	21.51%	+3.16%

JXX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

JXX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

JXX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

JXX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
JXX Janus Henderson Transformational Growth ETF	0.01%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 JXX and VUG in my portfolio?

JXX and VUG have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JXX or VUG?

JXX has higher volatility (8.53%) compared to VUG (6.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JXX dropped -23.73% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, JXX or VUG?

On 1-year performance, JXX leads with 34.17% vs 24.92% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JXX or VUG?

Over the 1-year period, JXX has performed better with a 34.17% return vs 24.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JXX or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for JXX.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.38%, compared with 0.01% for JXX.

What is the main difference between JXX and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: Janus Henderson and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for JXX and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 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.