VUG vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VUG returned 18.30%/yr vs 15.23%/yr for VTI. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VUG vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUG achieves a 7.94% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 11.46% return. Over the past 10 years, VUG has outperformed VTI with an annualized return of 18.30%, while VTI has yielded a comparatively lower 15.23% annualized return.

VUG

• 1D: 2.81%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 9.17%
• 1Y: 26.29%
• 3Y*: 24.04%
• 5Y*: 14.43%
• 10Y*: 18.30%

VTI

• 1D: 1.68%
• 1M: 2.70%
• YTD: 11.46%
• 6M: 11.76%
• 1Y: 28.40%
• 3Y*: 20.94%
• 5Y*: 12.71%
• 10Y*: 15.23%

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

VUG vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.94%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	11.46%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

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

VUG vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VUG	VTI
Technology	53.5%	33.3%
Communication Services	17.3%	10.1%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	9.8%
Healthcare	4.6%	9.1%
Financial Services	4.3%	11.9%
Industrials	3.6%	9.5%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	4.7%
Real Estate	1.0%	2.4%
Utilities	0.9%	2.7%
Basic Materials	0.6%	2.0%
Energy	0.4%	3.8%

Return for Risk

VUG vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 44
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 77
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	2.25	-0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	3.04	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.41	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	3.20	-1.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.50	14.35	-8.85

VUG vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUG Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUG and VTI, 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. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	VUG	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.68%	-55.45%	+4.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.53%	-8.92%	-7.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.85%	-19.30%	-3.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.61%	-25.36%	-10.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.61%	-35.00%	-0.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.90%	-0.49%	-2.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.09%	-8.02%	+0.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.79%	1.98%	+2.81%

Volatility

VUG vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a higher volatility of 6.32% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) at 4.74%. This indicates that VUG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUG	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.32%	4.74%	+1.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.28%	9.94%	+3.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	12.69%	+3.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.34%	17.49%	+4.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.51%	18.34%	+3.17%

VUG vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VUG and VTI 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

VUG vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than VTI's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.01%	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 VUG and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VUG and VTI 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 VTI?

VUG has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to VTI (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUG dropped -50.68% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, VUG or VTI?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.30% vs 15.23% for VTI. Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. On volatility, VTI has been the lower-risk option at 4.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VUG or VTI?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.30% return vs 15.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUG or VTI?

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

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.38% for VUG.

What is the main difference between VUG and VTI?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 1.59), 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.