VOOG vs. VFTNX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VOOG (Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF) and VFTNX (Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both funds - VOOG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index, while VFTNX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the FTSE US Choice Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOOG returned 18.19%/yr vs 16.20%/yr for VFTNX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VOOG charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VFTNX.

Performance

VOOG vs. VFTNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) and Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFTNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOOG achieves a 8.54% return, which is significantly higher than VFTNX's 7.10% return. Over the past 10 years, VOOG has outperformed VFTNX with an annualized return of 18.19%, while VFTNX has yielded a comparatively lower 16.20% annualized return.

VOOG

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: -3.39%
• YTD: 8.54%
• 6M: 7.00%
• 1Y: 24.57%
• 3Y*: 25.76%
• 5Y*: 14.02%
• 10Y*: 18.19%

VFTNX

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -2.43%
• YTD: 7.10%
• 6M: 5.78%
• 1Y: 21.13%
• 3Y*: 20.92%
• 5Y*: 12.18%
• 10Y*: 16.20%

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

VOOG vs. VFTNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	8.54%	22.11%	35.89%	29.96%	-29.48%	31.95%	33.35%	30.93%	-0.21%	27.19%
VFTNX Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.10%	17.32%	26.01%	31.77%	-24.20%	27.76%	22.62%	33.96%	-3.41%	24.19%

Correlation

The correlation between VOOG and VFTNX 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	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.95

The correlation between VOOG and VFTNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

VOOG vs. VFTNX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOOG	VFTNX
Technology	52.6%	45.2%
Communication Services	16.7%	13.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	11.7%
Financial Services	8.2%	10.6%
Healthcare	5.7%	9.1%
Industrials	5.7%	3.0%
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	3.6%
Real Estate	0.5%	2.0%
Utilities	0.4%	0.1%
Basic Materials	0.3%	1.5%
Energy	0.1%	0.0%

Return for Risk

VOOG vs. VFTNX — 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: 48
VOOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VOOG Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VOOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
VOOG Martin Ratio Rank: 48

VFTNX

VFTNX Risk / Return Rank: 36
VFTNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VFTNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VFTNX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VFTNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VFTNX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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. VFTNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) and Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFTNX). 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	VFTNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	1.52	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	2.10	-0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.27	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.80	1.81	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.07	7.41	-0.34

VOOG vs. VFTNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOOG Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is comparable to the VFTNX Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOOG and VFTNX, 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. VFTNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOOG drawdown since its inception was -32.73%, smaller than the maximum VFTNX drawdown of -64.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOOG and VFTNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOOG	VFTNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.73%	-64.04%	+31.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.71%	-11.83%	-1.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.18%	-20.18%	-2.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.73%	-29.11%	-3.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.73%	-34.22%	+1.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.63%	-4.10%	-1.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.96%	-15.67%	+10.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.48%	2.88%	+0.60%

Volatility

VOOG vs. VFTNX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) has a higher volatility of 7.10% compared to Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFTNX) at 5.71%. This indicates that VOOG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFTNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOOG	VFTNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.10%	5.71%	+1.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.79%	11.28%	+2.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.94%	14.13%	+2.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.38%	18.50%	+2.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.80%	19.09%	+1.71%

VOOG vs. VFTNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOOG has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VFTNX'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

VOOG vs. VFTNX - Dividend Comparison

VOOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, less than VFTNX's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFTNX Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.91%	0.90%	1.01%	1.12%	1.37%	0.95%	1.23%	1.46%	1.81%	1.49%	1.82%	1.60%
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.57%	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 VFTNX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VOOG and VFTNX 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, VOOG or VFTNX?

VOOG has higher volatility (7.10%) compared to VFTNX (5.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOOG dropped -32.73% vs VFTNX's -64.04%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFTNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.46), 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.