VOT vs. QGRO

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

VOT (Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF) and QGRO (American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOT is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mid Cap Growth Index, while QGRO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the American Century U.S. Quality Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VOT returned 5.01%/yr vs 10.34%/yr for QGRO. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VOT charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for QGRO.

Performance

VOT vs. QGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) and American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF (QGRO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOT achieves a 5.36% return, which is significantly higher than QGRO's 0.22% return.

VOT

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: -4.14%
• 6M: 3.07%
• YTD: 5.36%
• 1Y: 2.10%
• 3Y*: 12.33%
• 5Y*: 5.01%
• 10Y*: 11.44%
• ALL TIME*: 9.93%

QGRO

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -2.38%
• 6M: -0.20%
• YTD: 0.22%
• 1Y: 5.76%
• 3Y*: 17.90%
• 5Y*: 10.34%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 14.79%

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

VOT vs. QGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF	5.36%	10.72%	16.38%	23.10%	-28.87%	20.50%	34.50%	33.76%	-15.80%
QGRO American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF	0.22%	15.18%	31.42%	32.42%	-24.54%	24.57%	37.99%	35.09%	-16.08%

Correlation

The correlation between VOT and QGRO is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 2018	0.93

The correlation between VOT and QGRO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

VOT vs. QGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOT	QGRO
Technology	34.0%	42.5%
Industrials	25.4%	12.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.1%	8.3%
Healthcare	8.5%	11.6%
Financial Services	6.4%	3.9%
Real Estate	4.2%	0.8%
Communication Services	3.0%	15.2%
Utilities	2.9%	0.8%
Energy	1.8%	1.2%
Basic Materials	1.6%	0.2%
Consumer Defensive	0.7%	3.3%

Return for Risk

VOT vs. QGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOT

VOT Risk / Return Rank: 12
VOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
VOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
VOT Omega Ratio Rank: 12
VOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
VOT Martin Ratio Rank: 13

QGRO

QGRO Risk / Return Rank: 17
QGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
QGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
QGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 15
QGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
QGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

VOT vs. QGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) and American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF (QGRO). 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.

	VOT	QGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.12	0.36	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.29	0.61	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.07	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.13	0.43	-0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.39	1.42	-1.02

VOT vs. QGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOT Sharpe Ratio is 0.12, which is lower than the QGRO Sharpe Ratio of 0.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOT and QGRO, 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

VOT vs. QGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOT drawdown since its inception was -60.16%, which is greater than QGRO's maximum drawdown of -32.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOT and QGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOT	QGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.16%	-32.56%	-27.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.96%	-13.54%	-2.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.77%	-23.82%	+2.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.19%	-31.86%	-5.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.19%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.30%	-3.11%	-1.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.91%	-7.58%	-2.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.38%	4.08%	+1.30%

Volatility

VOT vs. QGRO - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) and American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF (QGRO) have volatilities of 4.78% and 4.69%, 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

	VOT	QGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.78%	4.69%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.92%	12.84%	+1.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.07%	16.08%	+0.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.55%	21.20%	+0.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.02%	22.86%	-1.84%

VOT vs. QGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOT has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than QGRO's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

VOT vs. QGRO - Dividend Comparison

VOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, more than QGRO's 0.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QGRO American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF	0.19%	0.25%	0.25%	0.41%	0.46%	0.31%	0.22%	0.38%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.62%	0.64%	0.67%	0.71%	0.78%	0.34%	0.56%	0.78%	0.84%	0.72%	0.81%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOT and QGRO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, VOT and QGRO 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, VOT or QGRO?

VOT has higher volatility (4.78%) compared to QGRO (4.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOT dropped -60.16% vs QGRO's -32.56%.

Which ETF is better, VOT or QGRO?

On 5-year performance, QGRO leads with 10.34% vs 5.01% for VOT. On fees, VOT is cheaper at 0.05% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOT or QGRO?

Over the 5-year period, QGRO has performed better with a 10.34% return vs 5.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOT or QGRO?

VOT is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for QGRO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VOT or QGRO?

VOT has the higher dividend yield at 0.62%, compared with 0.19% for QGRO.

What is the main difference between VOT and QGRO?

VOT is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while QGRO is Large Cap Growth Equities. VOT tracks CRSP US Mid Cap Growth Index, while QGRO tracks American Century U.S. Quality Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and American Century. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VOT and 0.29% for QGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.36 vs 0.12), 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.