VUG vs. IWF

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) and IWF (iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index while IWF tracks the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VUG returned 17.81%/yr vs 18.08%/yr for IWF. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VUG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for IWF.

Performance

VUG vs. IWF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUG achieves a 5.80% return, which is significantly higher than IWF's 3.78% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VUG having a 17.81% annualized return and IWF not far ahead at 18.08%.

VUG

• 1D: -3.62%
• 1M: 0.03%
• YTD: 5.80%
• 6M: 4.57%
• 1Y: 23.98%
• 3Y*: 24.49%
• 5Y*: 14.33%
• 10Y*: 17.81%

IWF

• 1D: -3.26%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 3.78%
• 6M: 2.69%
• 1Y: 22.07%
• 3Y*: 23.51%
• 5Y*: 14.52%
• 10Y*: 18.08%

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

VUG vs. IWF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.80%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%
IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF	3.78%	18.33%	33.12%	42.59%	-29.31%	27.43%	38.25%	35.86%	-1.67%	29.95%

Correlation

The correlation between VUG and IWF is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.98

The correlation between VUG and IWF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

VUG vs. IWF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VUG	IWF
Technology	53.5%	53.2%
Communication Services	17.3%	12.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	12.7%
Healthcare	4.6%	7.0%
Financial Services	4.3%	4.9%
Industrials	3.6%	5.0%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	2.5%
Real Estate	1.0%	0.4%
Utilities	0.9%	1.1%
Basic Materials	0.6%	0.3%
Energy	0.4%	0.4%

Return for Risk

VUG vs. IWF — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 38
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

IWF

IWF Risk / Return Rank: 36
IWF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
IWF Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
IWF Omega Ratio Rank: 39
IWF Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
IWF Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

VUG vs. IWF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF). 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.

	VUG	IWF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	1.41	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	1.93	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.25	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.46	1.36	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.09	4.54	+0.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VUG vs. IWF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUG Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is comparable to the IWF Sharpe Ratio of 1.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUG and IWF, 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

	VUG	IWF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.48	1.41	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65	0.68	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83	0.86	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.39	+0.22

Drawdowns

VUG vs. IWF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUG drawdown since its inception was -50.68%, smaller than the maximum IWF drawdown of -64.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUG and IWF.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUG	IWF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.68%	-64.25%	+13.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.53%	-16.27%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.85%	-23.36%	+0.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.61%	-32.72%	-2.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.61%	-32.72%	-2.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.83%	-4.72%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.09%	-22.08%	+14.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.72%	4.87%	-0.15%

Volatility

VUG vs. IWF - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a higher volatility of 5.17% compared to iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) at 4.79%. This indicates that VUG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IWF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUG	IWF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.17%	4.79%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.68%	12.13%	+0.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.26%	15.79%	+0.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.27%	21.43%	+0.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.47%	20.99%	+0.48%

VUG vs. IWF - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than IWF's 0.18% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VUG vs. IWF - Dividend Comparison

VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, more than IWF's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IWF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.34%	0.36%	0.46%	0.67%	0.91%	0.49%	0.66%	0.99%	1.27%	1.10%	1.43%	1.37%
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 VUG and IWF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VUG and IWF 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, VUG or IWF?

VUG has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to IWF (4.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUG dropped -50.68% vs IWF's -64.25%.

Which ETF is better, VUG or IWF?

On 10-year performance, IWF leads with 18.08% vs 17.81% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, IWF has been the lower-risk option at 4.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VUG or IWF?

Over the 10-year period, IWF has performed better with a 18.08% return vs 17.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUG or IWF?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for IWF.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.34% for IWF.

What is the main difference between VUG and IWF?

VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, while IWF tracks Russell 1000 Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VUG and 0.18% for IWF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.41), 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.