USMC vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

USMC (Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - USMC tracks the Nasdaq US Mega Cap Select Leaders Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, USMC returned 14.61%/yr vs 12.80%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USMC charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

USMC vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF (USMC) 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, USMC achieves a 6.42% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 3.52% return.

USMC

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: -0.32%
• YTD: 6.42%
• 6M: 5.31%
• 1Y: 20.33%
• 3Y*: 20.41%
• 5Y*: 14.61%
• 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)

USMC vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USMC Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF	6.42%	14.99%	29.82%	31.57%	-17.17%	26.30%	16.05%	27.37%	-2.30%	5.48%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.52%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	4.55%

Correlation

The correlation between USMC 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	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 12, 2017	0.89

The correlation between USMC and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

USMC vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USMC	VUG
Technology	33.3%	53.5%
Financial Services	18.2%	4.3%
Communication Services	13.7%	17.3%
Consumer Defensive	8.5%	1.5%
Consumer Cyclical	8.3%	12.2%
Healthcare	8.1%	4.6%
Industrials	5.6%	3.6%
Energy	4.3%	0.4%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Real Estate	-	1.0%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

USMC vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

USMC

USMC Risk / Return Rank: 47
USMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
USMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
USMC Omega Ratio Rank: 48
USMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
USMC Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

USMC vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF (USMC) 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.

	USMC	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	1.19	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	1.67	+0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.21	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.98	1.22	+0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.47	4.15	+3.33

USMC vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USMC Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USMC 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

USMC vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USMC drawdown since its inception was -29.97%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USMC and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	USMC	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.97%	-50.68%	+20.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.30%	-16.53%	+6.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.12%	-22.85%	+3.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.09%	-35.61%	+11.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.46%	-6.88%	+4.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.39%	-7.09%	+2.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.73%	4.84%	-2.11%

Volatility

USMC vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF (USMC) is 4.43%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.86%. This indicates that USMC 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

	USMC	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	6.86%	-2.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.43%	13.44%	-4.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.32%	16.91%	-4.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.43%	22.39%	-5.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.25%	21.51%	-3.26%

USMC vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

USMC has a 0.12% 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

USMC vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

USMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.76%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USMC Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF	0.76%	0.79%	1.04%	1.35%	1.78%	1.53%	1.55%	2.01%	2.28%	0.24%	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 USMC and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, USMC 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, USMC or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to USMC (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USMC dropped -29.97% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, USMC or VUG?

On 5-year performance, USMC leads with 14.61% vs 12.80% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, USMC has been the lower-risk option at 4.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USMC or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, USMC has performed better with a 14.61% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USMC or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for USMC.

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

USMC has the higher dividend yield at 0.76%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between USMC and VUG?

USMC tracks Nasdaq US Mega Cap Select Leaders Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Principal and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for USMC and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USMC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.19), 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.