PJFAX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PJFAX (PGIM Jennison Growth Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PJFAX returned 20.38%/yr vs 18.02%/yr for VUG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PJFAX charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

PJFAX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Jennison Growth Fund (PJFAX) 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, PJFAX achieves a 4.02% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 3.52% return. Over the past 10 years, PJFAX has outperformed VUG with an annualized return of 20.38%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively lower 18.02% annualized return.

PJFAX

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: -1.69%
• YTD: 4.02%
• 6M: 2.72%
• 1Y: 15.48%
• 3Y*: 26.22%
• 5Y*: 12.31%
• 10Y*: 20.38%

VUG

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -3.95%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 22.74%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

PJFAX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PJFAX PGIM Jennison Growth Fund	4.02%	14.53%	48.10%	52.76%	-37.89%	15.65%	55.66%	45.04%	-1.24%	36.41%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.52%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between PJFAX 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.96

The correlation between PJFAX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PJFAX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PJFAX

PJFAX Risk / Return Rank: 12
PJFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
PJFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
PJFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
PJFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
PJFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 31
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

PJFAX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Jennison Growth Fund (PJFAX) 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.

	PJFAX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	1.19	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.42	1.67	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.21	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.95	1.22	-0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.99	4.15	-1.16

PJFAX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PJFAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PJFAX 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

PJFAX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PJFAX drawdown since its inception was -64.07%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PJFAX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PJFAX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.07%	-50.68%	-13.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.76%	-16.53%	-1.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.05%	-22.85%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.56%	-35.61%	-7.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.56%	-35.61%	-7.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.38%	-6.88%	+1.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.32%	-7.09%	-13.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.65%	4.84%	+0.81%

Volatility

PJFAX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Jennison Growth Fund (PJFAX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 6.70% and 6.86%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PJFAX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.70%	6.86%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.50%	13.44%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.26%	16.91%	+0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.80%	22.39%	+2.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.08%	21.51%	+2.57%

PJFAX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PJFAX has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PJFAX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

PJFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.90%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PJFAX PGIM Jennison Growth Fund	12.90%	13.42%	24.62%	7.23%	2.77%	14.67%	9.02%	16.27%	6.06%	5.85%	4.12%	6.90%
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 PJFAX and VUG in my portfolio?

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

VUG has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to PJFAX (6.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PJFAX dropped -64.07% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.19 vs 0.98), 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.