VTHR vs. VONG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VTHR (Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF) and VONG (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTHR is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 3000 Index, while VONG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VTHR returned 15.06%/yr vs 18.39%/yr for VONG. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.06% expense ratio.

Performance

VTHR vs. VONG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTHR achieves a 8.70% return, which is significantly higher than VONG's 1.56% return. Over the past 10 years, VTHR has underperformed VONG with an annualized return of 15.06%, while VONG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.39% annualized return.

VTHR

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: -0.78%
• YTD: 8.70%
• 6M: 7.51%
• 1Y: 23.90%
• 3Y*: 20.48%
• 5Y*: 11.91%
• 10Y*: 15.06%

VONG

• 1D: -1.57%
• 1M: -3.99%
• YTD: 1.56%
• 6M: 0.27%
• 1Y: 18.03%
• 3Y*: 21.88%
• 5Y*: 13.07%
• 10Y*: 18.39%

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

VTHR vs. VONG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTHR Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF	8.70%	16.99%	23.57%	25.92%	-19.20%	25.49%	20.93%	30.82%	-5.65%	21.06%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	1.56%	18.45%	33.20%	42.67%	-29.18%	27.60%	38.30%	36.06%	-1.53%	30.05%

Correlation

The correlation between VTHR and VONG is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.89

The correlation between VTHR and VONG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTHR vs. VONG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTHR	VONG
Technology	36.5%	54.1%
Financial Services	11.4%	4.8%
Communication Services	10.0%	12.0%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	12.5%
Industrials	9.2%	4.9%
Healthcare	8.9%	6.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	2.5%
Energy	3.4%	0.4%
Real Estate	2.3%	0.4%
Utilities	2.1%	1.0%
Basic Materials	2.0%	0.3%

Return for Risk

VTHR vs. VONG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTHR

VTHR Risk / Return Rank: 59
VTHR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VTHR Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTHR Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VTHR Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VTHR Martin Ratio Rank: 68

VONG

VONG Risk / Return Rank: 29
VONG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VONG Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
VONG Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VONG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
VONG Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

VTHR vs. VONG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). 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.

	VTHR	VONG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.12	+0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	1.58	+1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.20	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	1.12	+1.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.99	3.64	+8.35

VTHR vs. VONG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTHR Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is higher than the VONG Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTHR and VONG, 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

VTHR vs. VONG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTHR drawdown since its inception was -34.61%, which is greater than VONG's maximum drawdown of -32.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTHR and VONG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTHR	VONG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.61%	-32.72%	-1.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.91%	-16.23%	+7.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-23.27%	+3.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.06%	-32.72%	+7.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.61%	-32.72%	-1.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.70%	-6.82%	+4.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.03%	-4.88%	+0.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	4.97%	-2.97%

Volatility

VTHR vs. VONG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) is 4.78%, while Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) has a volatility of 6.04%. This indicates that VTHR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VONG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTHR	VONG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.78%	6.04%	-1.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.12%	12.59%	-2.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.87%	16.17%	-3.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.39%	21.45%	-4.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.86%	20.92%	-3.06%

VTHR vs. VONG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VTHR and VONG have an expense ratio of 0.06%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTHR vs. VONG - Dividend Comparison

VTHR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, more than VONG's 0.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.47%	0.45%	0.55%	0.71%	0.98%	0.58%	0.77%	1.03%	1.18%	1.19%	1.48%	1.47%
VTHR Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF	1.05%	1.08%	1.19%	1.47%	1.52%	1.16%	1.37%	1.65%	1.89%	1.63%	1.82%	1.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTHR and VONG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VTHR and VONG 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, VTHR or VONG?

VONG has higher volatility (6.04%) compared to VTHR (4.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTHR dropped -34.61% vs VONG's -32.72%.

Which ETF is better, VTHR or VONG?

On 10-year performance, VONG leads with 18.39% vs 15.06% for VTHR. Both ETFs have the same 0.06% expense ratio. On volatility, VTHR has been the lower-risk option at 4.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTHR or VONG?

Over the 10-year period, VONG has performed better with a 18.39% return vs 15.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTHR or VONG?

VTHR and VONG have the same expense ratio: 0.06% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTHR or VONG?

VTHR has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.47% for VONG.

What is the main difference between VTHR and VONG?

VTHR is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VONG is Large Cap Growth Equities. VTHR tracks Russell 3000 Index, while VONG tracks Russell 1000 Growth Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTHR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.12), 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.