SOCL vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SOCL (Global X Social Media ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - SOCL tracks the Solactive Social Media Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SOCL returned 7.96%/yr vs 17.99%/yr for VUG. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SOCL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

SOCL vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Social Media ETF (SOCL) 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, SOCL achieves a -23.22% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 3.21% return. Over the past 10 years, SOCL has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 7.96%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.99% annualized return.

SOCL

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: -4.36%
• YTD: -23.22%
• 6M: -22.97%
• 1Y: -20.93%
• 3Y*: 5.38%
• 5Y*: -9.67%
• 10Y*: 7.96%

VUG

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -4.24%
• YTD: 3.21%
• 6M: 1.71%
• 1Y: 17.93%
• 3Y*: 22.62%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 17.99%

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

SOCL vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SOCL Global X Social Media ETF	-23.22%	31.04%	5.08%	31.08%	-42.23%	-12.84%	78.35%	25.74%	-16.39%	54.65%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.21%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between SOCL and VUG is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 15, 2011	0.70

The correlation between SOCL and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

SOCL vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOCL	VUG
Communication Services	96.2%	17.3%
Technology	2.8%	53.5%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	1.5%
Industrials	0.4%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	12.2%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Energy	-	0.4%
Financial Services	-	4.3%
Healthcare	-	4.6%
Real Estate	-	1.0%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

SOCL vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOCL

SOCL Risk / Return Rank: 3
SOCL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
SOCL Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
SOCL Omega Ratio Rank: 3
SOCL Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
SOCL Martin Ratio Rank: 3

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 29
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

SOCL vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Social Media ETF (SOCL) 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.

	SOCL	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.88	1.07	-1.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.15	1.52	-2.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.87	1.19	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.63	1.09	-1.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.24	3.69	-4.93

SOCL vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOCL Sharpe Ratio is -0.88, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOCL 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

SOCL vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOCL drawdown since its inception was -68.70%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOCL and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOCL	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.70%	-50.68%	-18.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.52%	-16.53%	-16.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.52%	-22.85%	-10.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-66.32%	-35.61%	-30.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-68.70%	-35.61%	-33.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-44.84%	-7.15%	-37.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.03%	-7.09%	-14.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.95%	4.86%	+12.09%

Volatility

SOCL vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Global X Social Media ETF (SOCL) has a higher volatility of 9.71% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.85%. This indicates that SOCL'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

	SOCL	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.71%	6.85%	+2.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.15%	13.37%	+5.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.03%	16.88%	+7.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.84%	22.38%	+7.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.60%	21.50%	+6.10%

SOCL vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOCL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOCL vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

SOCL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, more than VUG's 0.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SOCL Global X Social Media ETF	0.56%	0.43%	0.25%	0.61%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.49%	0.18%	0.01%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.40%	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 SOCL and VUG in my portfolio?

SOCL and VUG have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SOCL or VUG?

SOCL has higher volatility (9.71%) compared to VUG (6.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOCL dropped -68.70% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, SOCL or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 17.99% vs 7.96% for SOCL. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOCL or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 17.99% return vs 7.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOCL or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for SOCL.

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

SOCL has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.40% for VUG.

What is the main difference between SOCL and VUG?

SOCL tracks Solactive Social Media Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SOCL and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.07 vs -0.88), 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.