VIGAX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

VIGAX (Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Vanguard tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIGAX returned 18.24%/yr vs 17.81%/yr for VUG. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VIGAX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

VIGAX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX) 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, VIGAX achieves a 9.74% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.80% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VIGAX having a 18.24% annualized return and VUG not far behind at 17.81%.

VIGAX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 3.58%
• YTD: 9.74%
• 6M: 8.45%
• 1Y: 27.25%
• 3Y*: 26.07%
• 5Y*: 15.15%
• 10Y*: 18.24%

VUG

• 1D: -3.62%
• 1M: -0.14%
• YTD: 5.80%
• 6M: 4.57%
• 1Y: 22.71%
• 3Y*: 24.49%
• 5Y*: 14.33%
• 10Y*: 17.81%

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

VIGAX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIGAX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.74%	19.43%	32.67%	46.76%	-33.14%	27.26%	40.18%	37.23%	-3.35%	27.80%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.80%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between VIGAX and VUG is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.99

The correlation between VIGAX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

VIGAX vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIGAX	VUG
Technology	53.5%	53.5%
Communication Services	17.3%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	12.2%
Healthcare	4.6%	4.6%
Financial Services	4.3%	4.3%
Industrials	3.6%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	1.5%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.0%
Utilities	0.9%	0.9%
Basic Materials	0.6%	0.6%
Energy	0.4%	0.4%

Return for Risk

VIGAX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIGAX

VIGAX Risk / Return Rank: 32
VIGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
VIGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VIGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VIGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
VIGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 38
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

VIGAX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX) 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.

	VIGAX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.48	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.01	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.26	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.68	1.46	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.92	5.09	+0.83
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VIGAX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIGAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIGAX 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

	VIGAX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75	1.48	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68	0.65	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85	0.83	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.61	-0.13

Drawdowns

VIGAX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIGAX drawdown since its inception was -50.66%, roughly equal to the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIGAX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIGAX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.66%	-50.68%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.51%	-16.53%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.04%	-22.85%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.63%	-35.61%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.63%	-35.61%	-0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.26%	-4.83%	+3.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.96%	-7.09%	-4.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.69%	4.72%	-0.03%

Volatility

VIGAX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX) is 3.89%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 5.17%. This indicates that VIGAX 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

	VIGAX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.89%	5.17%	-1.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.16%	12.68%	-0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.91%	16.26%	-0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.34%	22.27%	+0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.58%	21.47%	+0.11%

VIGAX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIGAX has a 0.05% 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

VIGAX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

VIGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VIGAX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.36%	0.40%	0.46%	0.57%	0.69%	0.47%	0.66%	0.94%	1.31%	1.14%	1.39%	1.31%
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 VIGAX and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VIGAX 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, VIGAX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to VIGAX (3.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIGAX dropped -50.66% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.48), 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.