VUG vs. VWUSX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) and VWUSX (Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Vanguard. VUG is passively managed, while VWUSX is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, VUG returned 18.10%/yr vs 19.02%/yr for VWUSX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VUG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for VWUSX.

Performance

VUG vs. VWUSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWUSX). 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 higher than VWUSX's -1.58% return. Over the past 10 years, VUG has underperformed VWUSX with an annualized return of 18.10%, while VWUSX has yielded a comparatively higher 19.02% annualized 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%

VWUSX

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -3.68%
• YTD: -1.58%
• 6M: -3.02%
• 1Y: 7.27%
• 3Y*: 19.12%
• 5Y*: 9.96%
• 10Y*: 19.02%

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

VUG vs. VWUSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	2.25%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%
VWUSX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares	-1.58%	15.39%	31.65%	45.17%	-39.64%	35.76%	58.63%	45.61%	0.65%	31.11%

Correlation

The correlation between VUG and VWUSX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.96

The correlation between VUG and VWUSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

VUG vs. VWUSX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VUG	VWUSX
Technology	53.5%	45.1%
Communication Services	17.3%	16.2%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	12.4%
Healthcare	4.6%	10.3%
Financial Services	4.3%	5.5%
Industrials	3.6%	5.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	1.2%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.3%
Utilities	0.9%	0.5%
Basic Materials	0.6%	0.4%
Energy	0.4%	-

Return for Risk

VUG vs. VWUSX — 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

VWUSX

VWUSX Risk / Return Rank: 7
VWUSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
VWUSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VWUSX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VWUSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
VWUSX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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. VWUSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWUSX). 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	VWUSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	0.42	+0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.40	0.69	+0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.09	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.99	0.39	+0.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.34	1.13	+2.22

VUG vs. VWUSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUG Sharpe Ratio is 0.97, which is higher than the VWUSX Sharpe Ratio of 0.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUG and VWUSX, 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. VWUSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUG drawdown since its inception was -50.68%, smaller than the maximum VWUSX drawdown of -73.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUG and VWUSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUG	VWUSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.68%	-73.31%	+22.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.53%	-19.15%	+2.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.85%	-25.01%	+2.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.61%	-42.18%	+6.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.61%	-42.18%	+6.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.02%	-6.78%	-1.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.09%	-22.80%	+15.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.89%	6.55%	-1.66%

Volatility

VUG vs. VWUSX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWUSX) have volatilities of 6.81% and 6.84%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUG	VWUSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.81%	6.84%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.40%	13.62%	-0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.85%	17.55%	-0.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.39%	26.96%	-4.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.50%	24.68%	-3.18%

VUG vs. VWUSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VWUSX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUG vs. VWUSX - Dividend Comparison

VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%, less than VWUSX's 9.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VWUSX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares	9.52%	9.37%	4.60%	0.28%	0.37%	30.03%	3.90%	11.66%	9.65%	4.63%	1.52%	8.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUG and VWUSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VUG and VWUSX 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 VWUSX?

VWUSX has higher volatility (6.84%) compared to VUG (6.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUG dropped -50.68% vs VWUSX's -73.31%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.97 vs 0.42), 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.