TGRW vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TGRW (T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. TGRW is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, TGRW returned 7.54%/yr vs 12.80%/yr for VUG. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TGRW charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

TGRW vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF (TGRW) 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, TGRW achieves a 0.74% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 3.52% return.

TGRW

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: -3.27%
• YTD: 0.74%
• 6M: -0.34%
• 1Y: 15.30%
• 3Y*: 19.72%
• 5Y*: 7.54%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -3.95%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 22.74%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

TGRW vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
TGRW T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF	0.74%	15.62%	29.94%	48.87%	-38.42%	14.97%	16.40%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.52%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	15.37%

Correlation

The correlation between TGRW and VUG is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 5, 2020	0.98

The correlation between TGRW and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

TGRW vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TGRW	VUG
Technology	52.6%	53.5%
Communication Services	16.5%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	13.1%	12.2%
Healthcare	6.6%	4.6%
Financial Services	5.2%	4.3%
Industrials	4.1%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	1.5%
Basic Materials	0.6%	0.6%
Real Estate	0.6%	1.0%
Energy	-	0.4%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

TGRW vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

TGRW

TGRW Risk / Return Rank: 23
TGRW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
TGRW Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
TGRW Omega Ratio Rank: 24
TGRW Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
TGRW Martin Ratio Rank: 22

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 31
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

TGRW vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF (TGRW) 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.

	TGRW	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.88	1.19	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.30	1.67	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.21	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.82	1.22	-0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.53	4.15	-1.62

TGRW vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TGRW Sharpe Ratio is 0.88, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TGRW 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

TGRW vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TGRW drawdown since its inception was -43.33%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TGRW and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	TGRW	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.33%	-50.68%	+7.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.84%	-16.53%	-2.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.18%	-22.85%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.33%	-35.61%	-7.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.51%	-6.88%	+0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.40%	-7.09%	-5.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.05%	4.84%	+1.21%

Volatility

TGRW vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF (TGRW) is 6.40%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.86%. This indicates that TGRW 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

	TGRW	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.40%	6.86%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.54%	13.44%	+0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.40%	16.91%	+0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.40%	22.39%	+1.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.04%	21.51%	+1.53%

TGRW vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

TGRW has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

TGRW vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

TGRW has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TGRW T. Rowe Price Growth Stock ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.01%	0.00%	0.40%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	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 TGRW and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, TGRW 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, TGRW or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to TGRW (6.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TGRW dropped -43.33% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, TGRW or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 12.80% vs 7.54% for TGRW. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, TGRW has been the lower-risk option at 6.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TGRW or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 12.80% return vs 7.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TGRW or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for TGRW.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.00% for TGRW.

What is the main difference between TGRW and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: T. Rowe Price and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for TGRW and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.19 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.