PRF vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

PRF (Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PRF is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental Select US 1000 Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PRF returned 13.94%/yr vs 18.30%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PRF charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

PRF vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF (PRF) 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, PRF achieves a 16.44% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 7.94% return. Over the past 10 years, PRF has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 13.94%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.30% annualized return.

PRF

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 4.19%
• YTD: 16.44%
• 6M: 16.00%
• 1Y: 34.32%
• 3Y*: 20.74%
• 5Y*: 13.06%
• 10Y*: 13.94%

VUG

• 1D: 2.81%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 9.17%
• 1Y: 26.29%
• 3Y*: 24.04%
• 5Y*: 14.43%
• 10Y*: 18.30%

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

PRF vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PRF Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF	16.44%	18.33%	16.73%	15.72%	-7.79%	31.12%	7.78%	27.42%	-8.71%	16.01%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.94%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between PRF and VUG is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2005	0.82

The correlation between PRF and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.82 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PRF vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PRF	VUG
Technology	23.1%	53.5%
Financial Services	15.4%	4.3%
Healthcare	12.0%	4.6%
Communication Services	9.4%	17.3%
Industrials	8.9%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	12.2%
Energy	7.9%	0.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.0%	1.5%
Basic Materials	3.3%	0.6%
Utilities	3.0%	0.9%
Real Estate	2.4%	1.0%

Return for Risk

PRF vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PRF

PRF Risk / Return Rank: 93
PRF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
PRF Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
PRF Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PRF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
PRF Martin Ratio Rank: 93

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 44
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

PRF vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF (PRF) 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.

	PRF	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.16	1.59	+1.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.34	2.16	+2.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.28	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.23	1.60	+3.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.40	5.50	+15.90

PRF vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PRF Sharpe Ratio is 3.16, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PRF 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

PRF vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PRF drawdown since its inception was -60.35%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PRF and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PRF	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.35%	-50.68%	-9.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.59%	-16.53%	+9.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.82%	-22.85%	+7.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.72%	-35.61%	+15.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.16%	-35.61%	-2.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.90%	+2.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.92%	-7.09%	+0.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.61%	4.79%	-3.18%

Volatility

PRF vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF (PRF) is 3.64%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that PRF 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

	PRF	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.64%	6.32%	-2.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.18%	13.28%	-5.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.93%	16.65%	-5.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.24%	22.34%	-7.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.69%	21.51%	-3.82%

PRF vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PRF has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PRF vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

PRF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PRF Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF	1.36%	1.59%	1.78%	1.84%	2.01%	1.58%	1.97%	1.99%	2.25%	1.58%	2.17%	2.25%
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 PRF and VUG in my portfolio?

PRF and VUG have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PRF or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to PRF (3.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PRF dropped -60.35% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, PRF or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.30% vs 13.94% for PRF. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, PRF has been the lower-risk option at 3.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PRF or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.30% return vs 13.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PRF or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for PRF.

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

PRF has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.38% for VUG.

What is the main difference between PRF and VUG?

PRF is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. PRF tracks RAFI Fundamental Select US 1000 Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for PRF and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PRF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.16 vs 1.59), 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.