NBGX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

NBGX (Neuberger Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. NBGX is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past year, NBGX returned 17.99% vs 24.00% for VUG. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NBGX charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

NBGX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Growth ETF (NBGX) 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, NBGX achieves a 3.93% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 5.76% return.

NBGX

• 1D: -1.22%
• 1M: -1.16%
• YTD: 3.93%
• 6M: 4.10%
• 1Y: 17.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 5.76%
• 6M: 5.17%
• 1Y: 24.00%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 13.40%
• 10Y*: 18.28%

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

NBGX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NBGX Neuberger Growth ETF	3.93%	16.40%	-1.22%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.76%	19.40%	-0.39%

Correlation

The correlation between NBGX and VUG 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2024	0.97

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

Return for Risk

NBGX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBGX

NBGX Risk / Return Rank: 32
NBGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
NBGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
NBGX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
NBGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
NBGX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 37
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

NBGX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Growth ETF (NBGX) 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.

	NBGX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	1.44	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.74	1.97	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.25	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.22	1.46	-0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.13	4.99	-0.86

NBGX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBGX 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

NBGX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBGX drawdown since its inception was -21.55%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBGX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBGX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.55%	-50.68%	+29.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.86%	-16.53%	+1.67%
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	-2.96%	-4.86%	+1.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.89%	-7.09%	+3.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.37%	4.82%	-0.45%

Volatility

NBGX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Growth ETF (NBGX) is 5.12%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.55%. This indicates that NBGX 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

	NBGX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.12%	6.55%	-1.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.51%	13.32%	-1.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.78%	16.80%	-2.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.04%	22.36%	-2.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.04%	21.53%	-1.49%

NBGX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBGX has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBGX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

NBGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, which matches VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NBGX Neuberger Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	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 NBGX and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, NBGX 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, NBGX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.55%) compared to NBGX (5.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBGX dropped -21.55% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, NBGX or VUG?

On 1-year performance, VUG leads with 24.00% vs 17.99% for NBGX. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, NBGX has been the lower-risk option at 5.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NBGX or VUG?

Over the 1-year period, VUG has performed better with a 24.00% return vs 17.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBGX or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.44% for NBGX.

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

NBGX and VUG have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.39%.

What is the main difference between NBGX and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: Neuberger and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.44% for NBGX and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.23), 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.