SPLV vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

SPLV (Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPLV is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SPLV returned 8.33%/yr vs 18.30%/yr for VUG. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPLV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

SPLV vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) 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, SPLV achieves a 4.85% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 7.94% return. Over the past 10 years, SPLV has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 8.33%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.30% annualized return.

SPLV

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 2.76%
• YTD: 4.85%
• 6M: 4.17%
• 1Y: 4.71%
• 3Y*: 8.01%
• 5Y*: 6.29%
• 10Y*: 8.33%

VUG

• 1D: 2.81%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 9.17%
• 1Y: 26.29%
• 3Y*: 24.04%
• 5Y*: 14.43%
• 10Y*: 18.30%

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

SPLV vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPLV Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF	4.85%	4.10%	13.93%	0.53%	-4.88%	24.13%	-1.39%	27.87%	-0.19%	17.32%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.94%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between SPLV and VUG is -0.10, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 5, 2011	0.59

The correlation between SPLV and VUG shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (1 year) to 0.59 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SPLV vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPLV	VUG
Utilities	24.9%	0.9%
Financial Services	21.3%	4.3%
Real Estate	17.8%	1.0%
Industrials	12.2%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	9.4%	1.5%
Healthcare	4.0%	4.6%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	12.2%
Energy	2.7%	0.4%
Basic Materials	2.1%	0.6%
Technology	0.8%	53.5%
Communication Services	0.8%	17.3%

Return for Risk

SPLV vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPLV

SPLV Risk / Return Rank: 17
SPLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
SPLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
SPLV Omega Ratio Rank: 15
SPLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
SPLV Martin Ratio Rank: 17

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 44
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

SPLV vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) 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.

	SPLV	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.47	1.59	-1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.73	2.16	-1.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.28	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	1.60	-0.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.50	5.50	-4.00

SPLV vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPLV Sharpe Ratio is 0.47, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPLV 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

SPLV vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPLV drawdown since its inception was -36.26%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPLV and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPLV	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.26%	-50.68%	+14.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.41%	-16.53%	+9.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.64%	-22.85%	+13.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.26%	-35.61%	+18.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.26%	-35.61%	-0.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.66%	-2.90%	-0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.55%	-7.09%	+3.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.15%	4.79%	-1.64%

Volatility

SPLV vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) is 4.03%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that SPLV 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

	SPLV	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.03%	6.32%	-2.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.20%	13.28%	-6.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.08%	16.65%	-6.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.51%	22.34%	-9.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.38%	21.51%	-6.13%

SPLV vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPLV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SPLV vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

SPLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.15%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPLV Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF	2.15%	2.04%	1.88%	2.45%	2.11%	1.51%	2.12%	2.08%	2.18%	2.03%	2.03%	2.28%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	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 SPLV and VUG in my portfolio?

SPLV and VUG have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPLV or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to SPLV (4.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPLV dropped -36.26% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, SPLV or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.30% vs 8.33% for SPLV. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SPLV has been the lower-risk option at 4.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPLV or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.30% return vs 8.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPLV or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for SPLV.

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

SPLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.15%, compared with 0.38% for VUG.

What is the main difference between SPLV and VUG?

SPLV is categorized as S&P 500, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. SPLV tracks S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for SPLV and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 0.47), 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.