VIGIX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VIGIX (Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional 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, VIGIX returned 18.14%/yr vs 18.28%/yr for VUG. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VIGIX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

VIGIX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VIGIX) 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, VIGIX achieves a 7.20% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.76% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VIGIX having a 18.14% annualized return and VUG not far ahead at 18.28%.

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%

VUG

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 5.76%
• 6M: 5.17%
• 1Y: 24.00%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 13.40%
• 10Y*: 18.28%

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

VIGIX vs. VUG - 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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.76%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between VIGIX and VUG is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
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 Jan 30, 2004	0.99

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

VIGIX vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIGIX	VUG
Technology	56.4%	53.5%
Communication Services	16.0%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.6%	12.2%
Healthcare	4.6%	4.6%
Financial Services	4.0%	4.3%
Industrials	3.5%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.3%	1.5%
Real Estate	0.9%	1.0%
Utilities	0.7%	0.9%
Basic Materials	0.6%	0.6%
Energy	0.3%	0.4%

Return for Risk

VIGIX vs. VUG — 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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 37
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
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.

VIGIX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VIGIX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.44	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	1.97	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.25	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.52	1.46	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.24	4.99	+0.25

VIGIX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIGIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIGIX 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

VIGIX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIGIX drawdown since its inception was -56.95%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIGIX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIGIX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.95%	-50.68%	-6.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.51%	-16.53%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.03%	-22.85%	-0.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.62%	-35.61%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.62%	-35.61%	-0.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.55%	-4.86%	+1.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.25%	-7.09%	-9.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.79%	4.82%	-0.03%

Volatility

VIGIX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VIGIX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 6.58% and 6.55%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIGIX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.58%	6.55%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.43%	13.32%	+0.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.80%	16.80%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.48%	22.36%	+0.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.66%	21.53%	+0.13%

VIGIX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIGIX has a 0.04% 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

VIGIX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

VIGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
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 VIGIX and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VIGIX 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, VIGIX or VUG?

VIGIX has higher volatility (6.58%) compared to VUG (6.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIGIX dropped -56.95% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIGIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.44), 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.