SEMG vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SEMG (Suncoast Select Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. SEMG is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past year, SEMG returned 3.68% vs 27.84% for VUG. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SEMG charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

SEMG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Suncoast Select Growth ETF (SEMG) 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, SEMG achieves a -2.89% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 9.49% return.

SEMG

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: 1.87%
• YTD: -2.89%
• 6M: -1.44%
• 1Y: 3.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

SEMG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SEMG Suncoast Select Growth ETF	-2.89%	8.27%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	18.35%

Correlation

The correlation between SEMG and VUG is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2025	0.85

The correlation between SEMG and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

SEMG vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SEMG	VUG
Technology	39.1%	53.5%
Communication Services	19.1%	17.3%
Financial Services	17.5%	4.3%
Healthcare	13.2%	4.6%
Industrials	6.7%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	4.5%	12.2%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.5%
Energy	-	0.4%
Real Estate	-	1.0%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

SEMG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEMG

SEMG Risk / Return Rank: 13
SEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
SEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
SEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 12
SEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
SEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 13

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

SEMG vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Suncoast Select Growth ETF (SEMG) 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.

	SEMG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.28	1.77	-1.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.48	2.40	-1.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.31	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.23	1.69	-1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.75	5.92	-5.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SEMG vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEMG Sharpe Ratio is 0.28, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEMG 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SEMG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28	1.77	-1.48
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.68	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.62	-0.24

Drawdowns

SEMG vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEMG drawdown since its inception was -15.80%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEMG and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEMG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.80%	-50.68%	+34.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.80%	-16.53%	+0.73%
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	-3.86%	-1.51%	-2.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.36%	-7.09%	+3.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.93%	4.71%	+0.22%

Volatility

SEMG vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Suncoast Select Growth ETF (SEMG) is 3.14%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.83%. This indicates that SEMG 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

	SEMG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.14%	3.83%	-0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.89%	12.11%	-2.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.04%	15.84%	-2.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.00%	22.22%	-9.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.00%	21.44%	-8.44%

SEMG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEMG has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEMG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

SEMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%, less than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SEMG Suncoast Select Growth ETF	0.05%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	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 SEMG and VUG in my portfolio?

SEMG and VUG have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEMG or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to SEMG (3.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEMG dropped -15.80% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, SEMG or VUG?

On 1-year performance, VUG leads with 27.84% vs 3.68% for SEMG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SEMG has been the lower-risk option at 3.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEMG or VUG?

Over the 1-year period, VUG has performed better with a 27.84% return vs 3.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEMG or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SEMG.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.05% for SEMG.

What is the main difference between SEMG and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: Suncoast and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SEMG and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 0.28), 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.