RPG vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RPG (Invesco S&P 500 Pure Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - RPG tracks the S&P 500/Citigroup Pure Growth Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RPG returned 15.68%/yr vs 18.28%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RPG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

RPG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Pure Growth ETF (RPG) 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, RPG achieves a 36.60% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.76% return. Over the past 10 years, RPG has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 15.68%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.28% annualized return.

RPG

• 1D: 1.57%
• 1M: 10.57%
• YTD: 36.60%
• 6M: 33.46%
• 1Y: 47.03%
• 3Y*: 29.74%
• 5Y*: 12.84%
• 10Y*: 15.68%

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)

RPG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RPG Invesco S&P 500 Pure Growth ETF	36.60%	13.41%	28.23%	8.04%	-27.55%	29.40%	29.34%	28.34%	-4.53%	26.20%
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 RPG and VUG is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2006	0.89

The correlation between RPG and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.89 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RPG vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RPG	VUG
Technology	46.9%	53.5%
Consumer Cyclical	14.7%	12.2%
Industrials	14.0%	3.6%
Healthcare	6.4%	4.6%
Communication Services	5.4%	17.3%
Financial Services	5.3%	4.3%
Utilities	2.4%	0.9%
Energy	1.6%	0.4%
Basic Materials	1.2%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.1%	1.5%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.0%

Return for Risk

RPG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

RPG

RPG Risk / Return Rank: 73
RPG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
RPG Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
RPG Omega Ratio Rank: 65
RPG Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
RPG Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

RPG vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Pure Growth ETF (RPG) 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.

	RPG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	1.44	+0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	1.97	+0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.25	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.27	1.46	+2.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.15	4.99	+11.17

RPG vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RPG Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RPG 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

RPG vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RPG drawdown since its inception was -53.27%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RPG and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	RPG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.27%	-50.68%	-2.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.08%	-16.53%	+5.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.75%	-22.85%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.59%	-35.61%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.58%	-35.61%	-0.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-4.86%	+4.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.83%	-7.09%	-1.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	4.82%	-1.90%

Volatility

RPG vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P 500 Pure Growth ETF (RPG) has a higher volatility of 9.89% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.55%. This indicates that RPG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RPG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.89%	6.55%	+3.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.39%	13.32%	+5.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.61%	16.80%	+4.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.77%	22.36%	+1.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.88%	21.53%	+1.35%

RPG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

RPG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

RPG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

RPG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.19%, less than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RPG Invesco S&P 500 Pure Growth ETF	0.19%	0.24%	0.25%	1.44%	0.74%	0.00%	0.46%	0.83%	0.47%	0.56%	0.43%	0.73%
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 RPG and VUG in my portfolio?

RPG and VUG have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RPG or VUG?

RPG has higher volatility (9.89%) compared to VUG (6.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RPG dropped -53.27% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, RPG or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.28% vs 15.68% for RPG. 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, RPG or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.28% return vs 15.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RPG or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for RPG.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.19% for RPG.

What is the main difference between RPG and VUG?

RPG tracks S&P 500/Citigroup Pure Growth Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for RPG and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RPG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.44), 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.