VT vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap 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, VT returned 12.74%/yr vs 18.26%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VT charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

VT vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) 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, VT achieves a 12.24% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return. Over the past 10 years, VT has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 12.74%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.26% annualized return.

VT

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: 4.91%
• YTD: 12.24%
• 6M: 13.14%
• 1Y: 29.24%
• 3Y*: 20.93%
• 5Y*: 10.99%
• 10Y*: 12.74%

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

VT vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	12.24%	22.43%	16.49%	22.02%	-18.00%	18.27%	16.59%	26.81%	-9.76%	24.50%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between VT and VUG is 0.86, 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	0.86
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	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2008	0.89

The correlation between VT and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

VT vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VT	VUG
Technology	27.8%	53.5%
Financial Services	15.9%	4.3%
Industrials	12.0%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	12.2%
Communication Services	8.3%	17.3%
Healthcare	8.1%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	1.5%
Energy	4.3%	0.4%
Basic Materials	4.2%	0.6%
Utilities	2.7%	0.9%
Real Estate	2.4%	1.0%

Return for Risk

VT vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 67
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 71

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

VT vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) 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.

	VT	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	1.77	+0.55
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	2.40	+0.80
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.31	+0.11
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.04	1.69	+1.34
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.53	5.92	+7.61
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VT vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VT Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VT 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VT	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.31	1.77	+0.55
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69	0.68	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74	0.85	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.62	-0.18

Drawdowns

VT vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VT drawdown since its inception was -50.27%, roughly equal to the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VT and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VT	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.27%	-50.68%	+0.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-16.53%	+6.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.51%	-22.85%	+6.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.38%	-35.61%	+9.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.24%	-35.61%	+1.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-1.51%	+0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.02%	-7.09%	+0.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.17%	4.71%	-2.54%

Volatility

VT vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 3.83% and 3.83%, 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

	VT	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.83%	3.83%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.17%	12.11%	-1.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.70%	15.84%	-3.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.05%	22.22%	-6.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.23%	21.44%	-4.21%

VT vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VT has a 0.06% 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

VT vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

VT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.59%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.59%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	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 VT and VUG in my portfolio?

VT and VUG have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VT or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to VT (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VT dropped -50.27% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, VT or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.26% vs 12.74% for VT. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% 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, VT or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.26% return vs 12.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VT or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for VT.

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

VT has the higher dividend yield at 1.59%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between VT and VUG?

VT is categorized as Global Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. VT tracks FTSE Global All Cap Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VT and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 1.77), 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.