VTG vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTG is a Intermediate Core Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.18 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VTG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) 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, VTG achieves a 0.02% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 5.76% return.

VTG

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 0.02%
• 6M: 0.13%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

VTG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	0.02%	3.07%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.76%	11.53%

Correlation

The correlation between VTG and VUG is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.18

Return for Risk

VTG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTG

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

VTG vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) 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.

	VTG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.44	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.97	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.25	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.46	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	4.99	—

Drawdowns

VTG vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTG drawdown since its inception was -2.89%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTG and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.89%	-50.68%	+47.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-16.53%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.85%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.77%	-4.86%	+3.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.78%	-7.09%	+6.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.82%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VTG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.55%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.32%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.52%	16.80%	-13.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.52%	22.36%	-18.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.52%	21.53%	-18.01%

VTG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VTG and VUG have an expense ratio of 0.03%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

VTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.20%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.20%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 VTG and VUG in my portfolio?

VTG and VUG have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VTG or VUG?

Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTG or VUG?

VTG and VUG have the same expense ratio: 0.03% per year.

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

VTG has the higher dividend yield at 3.20%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between VTG and VUG?

VTG is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. VTG tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index.