RFG vs. VTWG

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

RFG (Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF) and VTWG (Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds - RFG tracks the S&P Mid Cap 400 Pure Growth while VTWG tracks the Russell 2000 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RFG returned 9.73%/yr vs 11.08%/yr for VTWG. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RFG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VTWG.

Performance

RFG vs. VTWG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF (RFG) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFG achieves a 15.53% return, which is significantly lower than VTWG's 17.62% return. Over the past 10 years, RFG has underperformed VTWG with an annualized return of 9.73%, while VTWG has yielded a comparatively higher 11.08% annualized return.

RFG

• 1D: -1.46%
• 1M: -4.63%
• 6M: 8.87%
• YTD: 15.53%
• 1Y: 22.62%
• 3Y*: 15.72%
• 5Y*: 7.22%
• 10Y*: 9.73%

VTWG

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -0.17%
• 6M: 10.23%
• YTD: 17.62%
• 1Y: 32.15%
• 3Y*: 16.19%
• 5Y*: 5.87%
• 10Y*: 11.08%

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

RFG vs. VTWG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFG Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF	15.53%	8.80%	17.80%	16.42%	-21.70%	13.81%	32.86%	17.09%	-13.98%	20.46%
VTWG Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF	17.62%	13.07%	15.15%	18.90%	-26.49%	2.84%	34.72%	28.75%	-9.45%	22.27%

Correlation

The correlation between RFG and VTWG is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.91

The correlation between RFG and VTWG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

RFG vs. VTWG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RFG	VTWG
Industrials	32.3%	23.1%
Technology	22.8%	25.8%
Healthcare	19.0%	22.0%
Energy	4.9%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	2.3%
Financial Services	3.6%	7.8%
Consumer Cyclical	3.0%	7.1%
Basic Materials	2.9%	4.0%
Utilities	2.6%	0.6%
Real Estate	1.8%	2.0%
Communication Services	0.5%	2.2%

Return for Risk

RFG vs. VTWG — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFG

RFG Risk / Return Rank: 47
RFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
RFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
RFG Omega Ratio Rank: 38
RFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
RFG Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VTWG

VTWG Risk / Return Rank: 53
VTWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VTWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VTWG Omega Ratio Rank: 47
VTWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VTWG Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

RFG vs. VTWG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF (RFG) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG). 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.

	RFG	VTWG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.16	1.45	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.73	2.07	-0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.24	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.18	2.17	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.41	7.76	+0.65

RFG vs. VTWG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFG Sharpe Ratio is 1.16, which is comparable to the VTWG Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFG and VTWG, 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

RFG vs. VTWG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFG drawdown since its inception was -51.93%, which is greater than VTWG's maximum drawdown of -42.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFG and VTWG.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFG	VTWG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.93%	-42.07%	-9.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.41%	-14.88%	+4.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.71%	-28.58%	+1.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.16%	-40.49%	+5.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.92%	-42.07%	-0.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.23%	-3.80%	-2.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.93%	-10.47%	+1.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	4.15%	-1.46%

Volatility

RFG vs. VTWG - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF (RFG) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG) have volatilities of 6.44% and 6.37%, 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

	RFG	VTWG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.44%	6.37%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.84%	16.88%	-1.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.62%	22.33%	-2.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.97%	24.67%	-1.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.06%	24.23%	-1.17%

RFG vs. VTWG - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VTWG's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFG vs. VTWG - Dividend Comparison

RFG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%, less than VTWG's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFG Invesco S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth ETF	0.15%	0.43%	0.38%	0.99%	0.78%	0.05%	0.27%	0.64%	0.76%	0.66%	0.35%	0.61%
VTWG Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF	0.60%	0.64%	0.55%	0.79%	0.71%	0.54%	0.48%	0.72%	0.72%	0.64%	0.96%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFG and VTWG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, RFG and VTWG 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, RFG or VTWG?

RFG has higher volatility (6.44%) compared to VTWG (6.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFG dropped -51.93% vs VTWG's -42.07%.

Which ETF is better, RFG or VTWG?

On 10-year performance, VTWG leads with 11.08% vs 9.73% for RFG. On fees, VTWG is cheaper at 0.06% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RFG or VTWG?

Over the 10-year period, VTWG has performed better with a 11.08% return vs 9.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RFG or VTWG?

VTWG is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for RFG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RFG or VTWG?

VTWG has the higher dividend yield at 0.60%, compared with 0.15% for RFG.

What is the main difference between RFG and VTWG?

RFG tracks S&P Mid Cap 400 Pure Growth, while VTWG tracks Russell 2000 Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for RFG and 0.06% for VTWG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTWG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.45 vs 1.16), 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.