PJFG vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PJFG (PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. PJFG is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PJFG returned 21.64%/yr vs 23.62%/yr for VUG. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PJFG charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

PJFG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) 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, PJFG achieves a 2.82% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 5.76% return.

PJFG

• 1D: -1.78%
• 1M: -1.79%
• YTD: 2.82%
• 6M: 2.42%
• 1Y: 16.32%
• 3Y*: 21.64%
• 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)

PJFG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PJFG PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF	2.82%	16.94%	31.59%	54.23%	-7.56%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.76%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-7.13%

Correlation

The correlation between PJFG 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2022	0.97

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

PJFG vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PJFG	VUG
Technology	50.6%	53.5%
Communication Services	18.7%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	12.2%
Healthcare	6.4%	4.6%
Industrials	5.3%	3.6%
Financial Services	3.2%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	1.5%
Utilities	1.5%	0.9%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Energy	-	0.4%
Real Estate	-	1.0%

Return for Risk

PJFG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PJFG

PJFG Risk / Return Rank: 23
PJFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
PJFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
PJFG Omega Ratio Rank: 25
PJFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
PJFG Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

PJFG vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) 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.

	PJFG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.93	1.44	-0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.35	1.97	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.25	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.86	1.46	-0.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.66	4.99	-2.33

PJFG vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PJFG Sharpe Ratio is 0.93, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PJFG 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

PJFG vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PJFG drawdown since its inception was -24.24%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PJFG and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PJFG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.24%	-50.68%	+26.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.00%	-16.53%	-2.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.24%	-22.85%	-1.39%
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	-5.66%	-4.86%	-0.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.78%	-7.09%	+3.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.14%	4.82%	+1.32%

Volatility

PJFG vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 6.76% and 6.55%, 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

	PJFG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.76%	6.55%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.97%	13.32%	+0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.75%	16.80%	+0.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.98%	22.36%	-1.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.98%	21.53%	-0.55%

PJFG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PJFG has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PJFG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

PJFG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PJFG PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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 PJFG and VUG in my portfolio?

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

PJFG has higher volatility (6.76%) compared to VUG (6.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PJFG dropped -24.24% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, PJFG or VUG?

On 3-year performance, VUG leads with 23.62% vs 21.64% for PJFG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PJFG or VUG?

Over the 3-year period, VUG has performed better with a 23.62% return vs 21.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PJFG or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PJFG.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.00% for PJFG.

What is the main difference between PJFG and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PJFG and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 0.93), 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.