VUG vs. TDVG

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) and TDVG (T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. VUG is passively managed, while TDVG is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VUG returned 12.48%/yr vs 10.17%/yr for TDVG. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VUG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for TDVG.

Performance

VUG vs. TDVG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth ETF (TDVG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUG achieves a 2.25% return, which is significantly lower than TDVG's 8.44% return.

VUG

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: -5.84%
• YTD: 2.25%
• 6M: 0.76%
• 1Y: 16.32%
• 3Y*: 22.70%
• 5Y*: 12.48%
• 10Y*: 18.10%

TDVG

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 1.33%
• YTD: 8.44%
• 6M: 7.27%
• 1Y: 17.50%
• 3Y*: 15.63%
• 5Y*: 10.17%
• 10Y*: —

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

VUG vs. TDVG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	2.25%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	15.37%
TDVG T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth ETF	8.44%	14.80%	13.45%	13.95%	-10.15%	26.20%	12.97%

Correlation

The correlation between VUG and TDVG is 0.58, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 5, 2020	0.75

The correlation between VUG and TDVG shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (1 year) to 0.75 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VUG vs. TDVG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VUG	TDVG
Technology	53.5%	26.2%
Communication Services	17.3%	1.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	7.2%
Healthcare	4.6%	12.4%
Financial Services	4.3%	19.3%
Industrials	3.6%	13.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	6.9%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.6%
Utilities	0.9%	3.8%
Basic Materials	0.6%	2.8%
Energy	0.4%	5.3%

Return for Risk

VUG vs. TDVG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 27
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 27

TDVG

TDVG Risk / Return Rank: 62
TDVG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
TDVG Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
TDVG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
TDVG Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
TDVG Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. TDVG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth ETF (TDVG). 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.

	VUG	TDVG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	1.81	-0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.40	2.59	-1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.32	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.99	2.43	-1.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.34	9.97	-6.63

VUG vs. TDVG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUG Sharpe Ratio is 0.97, which is lower than the TDVG Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUG and TDVG, 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

VUG vs. TDVG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUG drawdown since its inception was -50.68%, which is greater than TDVG's maximum drawdown of -19.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUG and TDVG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUG	TDVG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.68%	-19.20%	-31.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.53%	-7.24%	-9.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.85%	-14.02%	-8.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.61%	-19.20%	-16.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.02%	-0.45%	-7.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.09%	-3.72%	-3.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.89%	1.76%	+3.13%

Volatility

VUG vs. TDVG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a higher volatility of 6.81% compared to T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth ETF (TDVG) at 2.70%. This indicates that VUG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TDVG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUG	TDVG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.81%	2.70%	+4.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.40%	7.58%	+5.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.85%	9.73%	+7.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.39%	13.92%	+8.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.50%	13.89%	+7.61%

VUG vs. TDVG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than TDVG's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUG vs. TDVG - Dividend Comparison

VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%, less than TDVG's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TDVG T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth ETF	0.98%	1.00%	1.06%	1.31%	1.15%	0.80%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.40%	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 TDVG in my portfolio?

VUG and TDVG have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VUG or TDVG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.81%) compared to TDVG (2.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUG dropped -50.68% vs TDVG's -19.20%.

Which ETF is better, VUG or TDVG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 12.48% vs 10.17% for TDVG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, TDVG has been the lower-risk option at 2.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VUG or TDVG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 12.48% return vs 10.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUG or TDVG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for TDVG.

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

TDVG has the higher dividend yield at 0.98%, compared with 0.40% for VUG.

What is the main difference between VUG and TDVG?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and T. Rowe Price. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VUG and 0.50% for TDVG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TDVG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 0.97), 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.