SPYC vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SPYC (Simplify US Equity PLUS Convexity ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. SPYC is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SPYC returned 9.87%/yr vs 15.11%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SPYC charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

SPYC vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify US Equity PLUS Convexity ETF (SPYC) 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, SPYC achieves a 7.59% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 9.49% return.

SPYC

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 5.51%
• YTD: 7.59%
• 6M: 6.63%
• 1Y: 16.39%
• 3Y*: 19.24%
• 5Y*: 9.87%
• 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)

SPYC vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SPYC Simplify US Equity PLUS Convexity ETF	7.59%	15.31%	22.57%	23.98%	-25.65%	29.26%	9.10%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	10.46%

Correlation

The correlation between SPYC and VUG is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 8, 2020	0.88

The correlation between SPYC and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

SPYC vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPYC	VUG
Technology	35.6%	53.5%
Financial Services	11.8%	4.3%
Communication Services	11.2%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	12.2%
Healthcare	8.5%	4.6%
Industrials	8.3%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	1.5%
Energy	3.5%	0.4%
Utilities	2.4%	0.9%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.0%
Basic Materials	1.8%	0.6%

Return for Risk

SPYC vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPYC

SPYC Risk / Return Rank: 27
SPYC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
SPYC Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
SPYC Omega Ratio Rank: 27
SPYC Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
SPYC Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

SPYC vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify US Equity PLUS Convexity ETF (SPYC) 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.

	SPYC	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	1.77	-0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	2.40	-0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.31	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.22	1.69	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.66	5.92	-2.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SPYC vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPYC Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPYC 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

	SPYC	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.07	1.77	-0.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.68	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.64	0.62	+0.03

Drawdowns

SPYC vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPYC drawdown since its inception was -28.51%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPYC and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPYC	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.51%	-50.68%	+22.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.47%	-16.53%	+3.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.81%	-22.85%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.51%	-35.61%	+7.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.87%	-1.51%	+0.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.24%	-7.09%	-1.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.49%	4.71%	-0.22%

Volatility

SPYC vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Simplify US Equity PLUS Convexity ETF (SPYC) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 3.73% and 3.83%, 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

	SPYC	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	3.83%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.75%	12.11%	-2.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.47%	15.84%	-0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.88%	22.22%	-2.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.65%	21.44%	-1.79%

SPYC vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPYC has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPYC vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

SPYC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPYC Simplify US Equity PLUS Convexity ETF	0.87%	0.89%	1.02%	1.76%	1.34%	1.01%	0.40%	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 SPYC and VUG in my portfolio?

SPYC and VUG have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPYC or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to SPYC (3.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPYC dropped -28.51% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, SPYC or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 15.11% vs 9.87% for SPYC. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SPYC has been the lower-risk option at 3.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPYC or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 15.11% return vs 9.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPYC or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for SPYC.

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

SPYC has the higher dividend yield at 0.87%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between SPYC and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for SPYC and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.07), 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.