VUSG vs. BOXX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VUSG (Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF) and BOXX (Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUSG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard, while BOXX is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Solactive 1-3 Month US T-Bill Index. VUSG is actively managed, while BOXX is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.06, they often move in opposite directions. VUSG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for BOXX.

Performance

VUSG vs. BOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) and Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSG achieves a 4.39% return, which is significantly higher than BOXX's 1.72% return.

VUSG

• 1D: -1.33%
• 1M: -1.52%
• YTD: 4.39%
• 6M: 3.94%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BOXX

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 1.72%
• 6M: 1.87%
• 1Y: 4.02%
• 3Y*: 4.71%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VUSG vs. BOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	4.39%	2.62%
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	1.72%	0.59%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSG and BOXX is -0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2025	-0.06

Return for Risk

VUSG vs. BOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUSG

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

BOXX

BOXX Risk / Return Rank: 100
BOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
BOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
BOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

VUSG vs. BOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) and Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX). 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.

	VUSG	BOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	12.63	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	35.92	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	9.07	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	58.74	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	507.08	—

Drawdowns

VUSG vs. BOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSG drawdown since its inception was -15.14%, which is greater than BOXX's maximum drawdown of -0.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSG and BOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSG	BOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.14%	-0.12%	-15.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.07%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.10%	0.00%	-5.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.62%	-0.00%	-3.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.01%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUSG	BOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.12%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.26%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.03%	0.32%	+19.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.03%	0.37%	+19.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.03%	0.37%	+19.66%

VUSG vs. BOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than BOXX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSG vs. BOXX - Dividend Comparison

VUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, while BOXX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BOXX Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.26%
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSG and BOXX in my portfolio?

VUSG and BOXX have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VUSG or BOXX?

On fees, BOXX is cheaper at 0.19% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSG or BOXX?

BOXX is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for VUSG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VUSG or BOXX?

VUSG has the higher dividend yield at 0.02%, compared with 0.00% for BOXX.

What is the main difference between VUSG and BOXX?

VUSG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while BOXX is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Alpha Architect. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for VUSG and 0.19% for BOXX.