PRGFX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PRGFX (T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PRGFX returned 15.92%/yr vs 18.28%/yr for VUG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PRGFX charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

PRGFX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund (PRGFX) 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, PRGFX achieves a 3.52% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 5.76% return. Over the past 10 years, PRGFX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 15.92%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.28% annualized return.

PRGFX

• 1D: 1.71%
• 1M: -0.72%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 2.95%
• 1Y: 19.83%
• 3Y*: 22.66%
• 5Y*: 8.90%
• 10Y*: 15.92%

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)

PRGFX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PRGFX T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund	3.52%	15.64%	38.36%	45.33%	-40.12%	19.86%	36.92%	30.83%	-1.04%	33.57%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.76%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between PRGFX 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	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.96

The correlation between PRGFX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PRGFX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PRGFX

PRGFX Risk / Return Rank: 16
PRGFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
PRGFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
PRGFX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
PRGFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
PRGFX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

PRGFX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund (PRGFX) 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.

	PRGFX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	1.44	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.63	1.97	-0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.25	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.07	1.46	-0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.36	4.99	-1.63

PRGFX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PRGFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PRGFX 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

PRGFX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PRGFX drawdown since its inception was -54.01%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PRGFX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PRGFX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.01%	-50.68%	-3.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.02%	-16.53%	-1.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.69%	-22.85%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.44%	-35.61%	-10.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.44%	-35.61%	-10.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.65%	-4.86%	+1.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.67%	-7.09%	-3.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.72%	4.82%	+0.90%

Volatility

PRGFX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund (PRGFX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 6.30% 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

	PRGFX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.30%	6.55%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.08%	13.32%	-0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.69%	16.80%	-0.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.18%	22.36%	+0.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.16%	21.53%	+0.63%

PRGFX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PRGFX has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PRGFX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

PRGFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.12%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PRGFX T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund	13.12%	13.58%	13.26%	3.34%	3.55%	9.34%	3.51%	1.81%	9.09%	13.57%	2.22%	7.23%
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 PRGFX and VUG in my portfolio?

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

VUG has higher volatility (6.55%) compared to PRGFX (6.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PRGFX dropped -54.01% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.15), 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.