SSUS vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SSUS (Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. SSUS is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SSUS returned 11.91%/yr vs 15.11%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SSUS charges 0.81%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

SSUS vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector ETF (SSUS) 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, SSUS achieves a 14.61% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return.

SSUS

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 7.35%
• YTD: 14.61%
• 6M: 14.65%
• 1Y: 29.88%
• 3Y*: 18.55%
• 5Y*: 11.91%
• 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)

SSUS vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SSUS Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector ETF	14.61%	16.47%	18.86%	18.19%	-17.64%	28.02%	17.44%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	33.13%

Correlation

The correlation between SSUS and VUG is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 21, 2020	0.91

The correlation between SSUS and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

SSUS vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SSUS	VUG
Technology	45.5%	53.5%
Communication Services	17.2%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	6.6%	12.2%
Industrials	6.5%	3.6%
Financial Services	5.5%	4.3%
Healthcare	4.4%	4.6%
Real Estate	3.8%	1.0%
Utilities	3.7%	0.9%
Energy	2.8%	0.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	1.5%
Basic Materials	1.6%	0.6%

Return for Risk

SSUS vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SSUS

SSUS Risk / Return Rank: 74
SSUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
SSUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
SSUS Omega Ratio Rank: 73
SSUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
SSUS Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

SSUS vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector ETF (SSUS) 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.

	SSUS	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.46	1.77	+0.69
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	2.40	+0.95
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.31	+0.13
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	1.69	+1.63
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.41	5.92	+9.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SSUS vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSUS Sharpe Ratio is 2.46, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSUS 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

	SSUS	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.46	1.77	+0.69
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.68	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.84	0.62	+0.22

Drawdowns

SSUS vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSUS drawdown since its inception was -23.75%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSUS and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSUS	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.75%	-50.68%	+26.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.05%	-16.53%	+7.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.60%	-22.85%	+5.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.45%	-35.61%	+12.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-1.51%	+0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.24%	-7.09%	+1.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	4.71%	-2.77%

Volatility

SSUS vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector ETF (SSUS) is 3.45%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.83%. This indicates that SSUS 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

	SSUS	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.45%	3.83%	-0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.51%	12.11%	-2.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.23%	15.84%	-3.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.26%	22.22%	-6.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.86%	21.44%	-4.58%

SSUS vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSUS has a 0.81% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSUS vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

SSUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SSUS Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector ETF	0.45%	0.52%	0.68%	1.07%	0.63%	0.55%	0.50%	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 SSUS and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, SSUS and VUG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SSUS or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to SSUS (3.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSUS dropped -23.75% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, SSUS or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 15.11% vs 11.91% for SSUS. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SSUS has been the lower-risk option at 3.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSUS or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 15.11% return vs 11.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSUS or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.81% for SSUS.

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

SSUS has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between SSUS and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: Donald L. Hagan LLC and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.81% for SSUS and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SSUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs 1.77), 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.