VIGIX vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VIGIX (Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both funds - VIGIX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIGIX returned 18.14%/yr vs 22.48%/yr for QQQ. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VIGIX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

VIGIX vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VIGIX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIGIX achieves a 7.20% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 20.41% return. Over the past 10 years, VIGIX has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 18.14%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.48% annualized return.

VIGIX

• 1D: 1.71%
• 1M: -0.56%
• YTD: 7.20%
• 6M: 6.59%
• 1Y: 25.68%
• 3Y*: 23.76%
• 5Y*: 14.15%
• 10Y*: 18.14%

QQQ

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 2.96%
• YTD: 20.41%
• 6M: 19.46%
• 1Y: 40.91%
• 3Y*: 27.47%
• 5Y*: 16.94%
• 10Y*: 22.48%

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

VIGIX vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIGIX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.20%	19.44%	32.68%	46.77%	-33.13%	27.27%	40.19%	37.26%	-3.34%	27.81%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	20.41%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between VIGIX and QQQ is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 1999	0.92

The correlation between VIGIX and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

VIGIX vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIGIX	QQQ
Technology	56.4%	58.7%
Communication Services	16.0%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.6%	11.4%
Healthcare	4.6%	3.7%
Financial Services	4.0%	0.2%
Industrials	3.5%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.3%	6.4%
Real Estate	0.9%	0.1%
Utilities	0.7%	1.2%
Basic Materials	0.6%	1.0%
Energy	0.3%	0.5%

Return for Risk

VIGIX vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIGIX

VIGIX Risk / Return Rank: 26
VIGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
VIGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VIGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VIGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
VIGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 72
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 72
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

VIGIX vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VIGIX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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.

	VIGIX	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	2.33	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	3.03	-0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.41	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.52	3.44	-1.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.24	12.79	-7.54

VIGIX vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIGIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is lower than the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIGIX and QQQ, 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

VIGIX vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIGIX drawdown since its inception was -56.95%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIGIX and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIGIX	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.95%	-82.97%	+26.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.51%	-11.96%	-4.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.03%	-22.77%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.62%	-35.12%	-0.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.62%	-35.12%	-0.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.55%	-0.99%	-2.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.25%	-32.73%	+16.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.79%	3.21%	+1.58%

Volatility

VIGIX vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VIGIX) is 6.58%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 8.47%. This indicates that VIGIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIGIX	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.58%	8.47%	-1.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.43%	14.20%	-0.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.80%	17.67%	-0.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.48%	22.64%	-0.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.66%	22.43%	-0.77%

VIGIX vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIGIX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VIGIX vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

VIGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than QQQ's 0.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.49%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%
VIGIX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.38%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.15%	1.40%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIGIX and QQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VIGIX and QQQ 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, VIGIX or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (8.47%) compared to VIGIX (6.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIGIX dropped -56.95% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.50), 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.