VOOG vs. VFIFX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VOOG (Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF) and VFIFX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund) are both funds - VOOG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index, while VFIFX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VOOG returned 18.00%/yr vs 12.05%/yr for VFIFX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VOOG charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VFIFX.

Performance

VOOG vs. VFIFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOOG achieves a 8.71% return, which is significantly lower than VFIFX's 11.34% return. Over the past 10 years, VOOG has outperformed VFIFX with an annualized return of 18.00%, while VFIFX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.05% annualized return.

VOOG

• 1D: -2.34%
• 1M: -2.03%
• YTD: 8.71%
• 6M: 7.44%
• 1Y: 26.86%
• 3Y*: 25.47%
• 5Y*: 14.06%
• 10Y*: 18.00%

VFIFX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 1.55%
• YTD: 11.34%
• 6M: 10.70%
• 1Y: 26.39%
• 3Y*: 19.14%
• 5Y*: 10.10%
• 10Y*: 12.05%

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

VOOG vs. VFIFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	8.71%	22.11%	35.89%	29.96%	-29.48%	31.95%	33.35%	30.93%	-0.21%	27.19%
VFIFX Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund	11.34%	21.42%	14.45%	20.39%	-17.48%	16.42%	16.40%	24.99%	-7.89%	19.15%

Correlation

The correlation between VOOG and VFIFX is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.90

The correlation between VOOG and VFIFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VOOG vs. VFIFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOOG

VOOG Risk / Return Rank: 45
VOOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VOOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VOOG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VOOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VOOG Martin Ratio Rank: 48

VFIFX

VFIFX Risk / Return Rank: 71
VFIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VFIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VFIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VFIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
VFIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

VOOG vs. VFIFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX). 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.

	VOOG	VFIFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	2.28	-0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	3.12	-0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.42	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	3.10	-1.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.82	13.41	-5.59

VOOG vs. VFIFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOOG Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is lower than the VFIFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOOG and VFIFX, 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

VOOG vs. VFIFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOOG drawdown since its inception was -32.73%, smaller than the maximum VFIFX drawdown of -51.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOOG and VFIFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOOG	VFIFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.73%	-51.68%	+18.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.71%	-8.87%	-4.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.18%	-14.54%	-7.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.73%	-25.40%	-7.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.73%	-31.36%	-1.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.49%	-0.65%	-4.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.96%	-6.87%	+1.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.45%	2.04%	+1.41%

Volatility

VOOG vs. VFIFX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) has a higher volatility of 7.23% compared to Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX) at 4.75%. This indicates that VOOG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFIFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOOG	VFIFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.23%	4.75%	+2.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.86%	9.93%	+3.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.04%	12.07%	+4.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.38%	14.29%	+7.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.81%	15.15%	+5.66%

VOOG vs. VFIFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOOG has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VFIFX's 0.08% 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

VOOG vs. VFIFX - Dividend Comparison

VOOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, less than VFIFX's 1.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIFX Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund	1.88%	2.09%	2.26%	2.21%	2.38%	12.83%	1.84%	2.20%	2.51%	0.03%	2.04%	2.36%
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.46%	0.49%	0.49%	1.12%	0.93%	0.53%	0.88%	1.26%	1.34%	1.32%	1.47%	1.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOOG and VFIFX in my portfolio?

VOOG and VFIFX have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VOOG or VFIFX?

VOOG has higher volatility (7.23%) compared to VFIFX (4.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOOG dropped -32.73% vs VFIFX's -51.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.59), 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.