VTI vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market 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, VTI returned 15.07%/yr vs 18.13%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VTI vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) 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, VTI achieves a 10.70% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 7.09% return. Over the past 10 years, VTI has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 15.07%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.13% annualized return.

VTI

• 1D: 1.16%
• 1M: 1.34%
• YTD: 10.70%
• 6M: 10.70%
• 1Y: 27.58%
• 3Y*: 20.67%
• 5Y*: 12.86%
• 10Y*: 15.07%

VUG

• 1D: 1.60%
• 1M: -0.57%
• YTD: 7.09%
• 6M: 7.04%
• 1Y: 25.56%
• 3Y*: 23.71%
• 5Y*: 14.13%
• 10Y*: 18.13%

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

VTI vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	10.70%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.09%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between VTI and VUG 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.94

The correlation between VTI and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTI vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTI	VUG
Technology	37.0%	53.5%
Financial Services	11.3%	4.3%
Communication Services	9.8%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	12.2%
Industrials	9.4%	3.6%
Healthcare	9.0%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	1.5%
Energy	3.3%	0.4%
Real Estate	2.3%	1.0%
Utilities	2.1%	0.9%
Basic Materials	1.9%	0.6%

Return for Risk

VTI vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 69
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 76

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 39
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

VTI vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VTI	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	1.50	+0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.05	+0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.26	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.07	1.51	+1.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.75	5.19	+8.56

VTI vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTI Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTI 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

VTI vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTI drawdown since its inception was -55.45%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTI and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTI	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.45%	-50.68%	-4.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-16.53%	+7.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.30%	-22.85%	+3.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.36%	-35.61%	+10.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.00%	-35.61%	+0.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.17%	-3.67%	+2.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.01%	-7.09%	-0.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	4.81%	-2.82%

Volatility

VTI vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is 4.84%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.56%. This indicates that VTI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTI	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.84%	6.56%	-1.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.03%	13.38%	-3.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.74%	16.72%	-3.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.50%	22.35%	-4.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.35%	21.51%	-3.16%

VTI vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VTI 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

VTI vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.02%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	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 VTI and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VTI 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, VTI or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.56%) compared to VTI (4.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTI dropped -55.45% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, VTI or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.13% vs 15.07% for VTI. Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. On volatility, VTI has been the lower-risk option at 4.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTI or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.13% return vs 15.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTI or VUG?

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

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.02%, compared with 0.38% for VUG.

What is the main difference between VTI and VUG?

VTI is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.50), 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.