QFRD vs. VUG

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

QFRD (Pacer S&P 500 Quality FCF R&D Leaders ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - QFRD tracks the S&P 500 Quality FCF R&D Leaders Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QFRD charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

QFRD vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer S&P 500 Quality FCF R&D Leaders ETF (QFRD) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

QFRD

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 3.98%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 2.79%
• 6M: 7.03%
• YTD: 7.73%
• 1Y: 19.25%
• 3Y*: 23.65%
• 5Y*: 12.96%
• 10Y*: 17.80%

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

QFRD vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
QFRD Pacer S&P 500 Quality FCF R&D Leaders ETF	14.34%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	6.71%

Correlation

The correlation between QFRD and VUG is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2026	0.79

Return for Risk

QFRD vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

QFRD

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 34
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

QFRD vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer S&P 500 Quality FCF R&D Leaders ETF (QFRD) 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.

	QFRD	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.12	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.60	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.20	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.16	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	3.83	—

Drawdowns

QFRD vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QFRD drawdown since its inception was -9.69%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QFRD and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	QFRD	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.69%	-50.68%	+40.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-16.53%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.85%	—
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	-2.81%	-3.09%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.34%	-7.08%	+3.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.99%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QFRD	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.54%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.81%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.74%	17.08%	+2.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.74%	22.42%	-2.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.74%	21.50%	-1.76%

QFRD vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

QFRD has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

QFRD vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

QFRD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QFRD Pacer S&P 500 Quality FCF R&D Leaders ETF	0.11%	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 QFRD and VUG in my portfolio?

QFRD and VUG have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QFRD or VUG?

On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QFRD or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for QFRD.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.11% for QFRD.

What is the main difference between QFRD and VUG?

QFRD tracks S&P 500 Quality FCF R&D Leaders Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for QFRD and 0.03% for VUG.