NICSX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

NICSX (Nicholas Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, NICSX returned 11.66%/yr vs 18.13%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NICSX charges 0.71%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

NICSX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nicholas Fund (NICSX) 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, NICSX achieves a 2.40% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 7.09% return. Over the past 10 years, NICSX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 11.66%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.13% annualized return.

NICSX

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 2.40%
• 6M: 2.44%
• 1Y: 7.57%
• 3Y*: 10.27%
• 5Y*: 8.73%
• 10Y*: 11.66%

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)

NICSX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NICSX Nicholas Fund	2.40%	4.45%	11.80%	34.17%	-18.15%	26.58%	18.91%	33.68%	-3.71%	17.55%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.09%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between NICSX and VUG is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.91

The correlation between NICSX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NICSX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

NICSX

NICSX Risk / Return Rank: 8
NICSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
NICSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
NICSX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
NICSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
NICSX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

NICSX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nicholas Fund (NICSX) 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.

	NICSX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	1.50	-0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.93	2.05	-1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.26	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.58	1.51	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.97	5.19	-3.22

NICSX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NICSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.62, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NICSX 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

NICSX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NICSX drawdown since its inception was -50.20%, roughly equal to the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NICSX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	NICSX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.20%	-50.68%	+0.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.20%	-16.53%	+3.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.90%	-22.85%	+3.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.32%	-35.61%	+10.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.44%	-35.61%	+2.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.27%	-3.67%	+1.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.63%	-7.09%	-0.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.86%	4.81%	-0.95%

Volatility

NICSX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nicholas Fund (NICSX) is 4.42%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.56%. This indicates that NICSX 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

	NICSX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	6.56%	-2.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.70%	13.38%	-3.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.30%	16.72%	-4.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.42%	22.35%	-4.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.99%	21.51%	-3.52%

NICSX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

NICSX has a 0.71% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

NICSX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

NICSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.74%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NICSX Nicholas Fund	3.74%	9.22%	3.97%	6.81%	2.26%	11.84%	6.76%	8.13%	5.38%	15.55%	3.63%	6.19%
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 NICSX and VUG in my portfolio?

NICSX and VUG have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NICSX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.56%) compared to NICSX (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NICSX dropped -50.20% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 0.62), 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.