VUSG vs. FCG

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VUSG (Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF) and FCG (First Trust Natural Gas ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUSG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard, while FCG is a Energy Equities fund tracking the ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index. VUSG is actively managed, while FCG is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.25, they often move in opposite directions. VUSG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FCG.

Performance

VUSG vs. FCG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) and First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSG achieves a 4.42% return, which is significantly lower than FCG's 23.25% return.

VUSG

• 1D: -3.73%
• 1M: -1.14%
• YTD: 4.42%
• 6M: 2.85%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FCG

• 1D: -3.66%
• 1M: -3.14%
• YTD: 23.25%
• 6M: 15.19%
• 1Y: 31.26%
• 3Y*: 11.39%
• 5Y*: 15.69%
• 10Y*: 3.70%

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

VUSG vs. FCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	4.42%	3.21%
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF	23.25%	-2.12%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSG and FCG is -0.25, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2025	-0.25

Return for Risk

VUSG vs. FCG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCG

FCG Risk / Return Rank: 36
FCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
FCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
FCG Omega Ratio Rank: 30
FCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
FCG Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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. FCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) and First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VUSG	FCG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.17	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	-0.11	+0.88

Drawdowns

VUSG vs. FCG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSG drawdown since its inception was -15.14%, smaller than the maximum FCG drawdown of -97.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSG and FCG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSG	FCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.14%	-97.20%	+82.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-13.07%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.44%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.33%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-85.04%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.07%	-75.15%	+70.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.50%	-65.38%	+61.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	6.03%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUSG	FCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.56%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	20.20%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.62%	26.87%	-7.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.62%	33.49%	-13.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.62%	38.30%	-18.68%

VUSG vs. FCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FCG's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSG vs. FCG - Dividend Comparison

VUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, less than FCG's 2.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF	2.23%	2.86%	2.76%	3.25%	3.04%	1.73%	3.82%	2.87%	1.46%	1.56%	1.70%	4.79%
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSG and FCG in my portfolio?

VUSG and FCG have a correlation of -0.25, 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 FCG?

On fees, VUSG is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSG or FCG?

VUSG is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FCG.

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

FCG has the higher dividend yield at 2.23%, compared with 0.02% for VUSG.

What is the main difference between VUSG and FCG?

VUSG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while FCG is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for VUSG and 0.60% for FCG.