VOOG vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VOOG (Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOOG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOOG returned 18.28%/yr vs 18.28%/yr for VUG. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VOOG charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

VOOG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) 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, VOOG achieves a 11.32% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.76% return. Over a longer period, both investments have demonstrated similar performance, with their 10-year annualized returns being quite close: VOOG at 18.28% and VUG at 18.28%.

VOOG

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 10.95%
• 1Y: 31.59%
• 3Y*: 26.46%
• 5Y*: 14.71%
• 10Y*: 18.28%

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)

VOOG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	11.32%	22.11%	35.89%	29.96%	-29.48%	31.95%	33.35%	30.93%	-0.21%	27.19%
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 VOOG and VUG is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.97

The correlation between VOOG and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

VOOG vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOOG	VUG
Technology	52.6%	53.5%
Communication Services	16.7%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	12.2%
Financial Services	8.2%	4.3%
Healthcare	5.7%	4.6%
Industrials	5.7%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	1.5%
Real Estate	0.5%	1.0%
Utilities	0.4%	0.9%
Basic Materials	0.3%	0.6%
Energy	0.1%	0.4%

Return for Risk

VOOG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOOG

VOOG Risk / Return Rank: 54
VOOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VOOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VOOG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VOOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
VOOG Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

VOOG vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) 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.

	VOOG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	1.44	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	1.97	+0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.25	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.31	1.46	+0.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.24	4.99	+4.25

VOOG vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOOG Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOOG 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

VOOG vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOOG drawdown since its inception was -32.73%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOOG and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOOG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.73%	-50.68%	+17.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.71%	-16.53%	+2.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.18%	-22.85%	+0.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.73%	-35.61%	+2.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.73%	-35.61%	+2.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.22%	-4.86%	+1.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.96%	-7.09%	+2.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.43%	4.82%	-1.39%

Volatility

VOOG vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 6.83% 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

	VOOG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.83%	6.55%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.68%	13.32%	+0.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.89%	16.80%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.35%	22.36%	-1.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.82%	21.53%	-0.71%

VOOG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOOG has a 0.07% 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

VOOG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

VOOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.45%	0.49%	0.49%	1.12%	0.93%	0.53%	0.88%	1.26%	1.34%	1.32%	1.47%	1.56%
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 VOOG and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VOOG 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, VOOG or VUG?

VOOG has higher volatility (6.83%) compared to VUG (6.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOOG dropped -32.73% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, VOOG or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.28% vs 18.28% for VOOG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOOG or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.28% return vs 18.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOOG or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for VOOG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VOOG or VUG?

VOOG has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between VOOG and VUG?

VOOG is categorized as S&P 500, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. VOOG tracks S&P 500 Growth Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VOOG and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 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.