VUSG vs. IQM

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VUSG (Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF) and IQM (Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VUSG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for IQM.

Performance

VUSG vs. IQM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) and Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM). 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 IQM's 27.43% return.

VUSG

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

IQM

• 1D: -7.99%
• 1M: -1.95%
• YTD: 27.43%
• 6M: 24.00%
• 1Y: 60.81%
• 3Y*: 33.28%
• 5Y*: 19.91%
• 10Y*: —

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

VUSG vs. IQM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	4.42%	3.21%
IQM Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF	27.43%	4.38%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSG and IQM is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

VUSG vs. IQM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQM

IQM Risk / Return Rank: 67
IQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
IQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
IQM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
IQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
IQM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. IQM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) and Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM). 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	IQM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.08	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.69	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.89	-0.13

Drawdowns

VUSG vs. IQM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSG drawdown since its inception was -15.14%, smaller than the maximum IQM drawdown of -44.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSG and IQM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSG	IQM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.14%	-44.91%	+29.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.71%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-30.42%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-44.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.07%	-9.44%	+4.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.50%	-12.24%	+8.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.52%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUSG	IQM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	12.53%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.51%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.62%	29.45%	-9.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.62%	29.11%	-9.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.62%	30.87%	-11.25%

VUSG vs. IQM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than IQM's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSG vs. IQM - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IQM Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.17%	0.01%
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	0.02%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSG and IQM in my portfolio?

VUSG and IQM have a correlation of 0.77, 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 IQM?

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 IQM?

VUSG is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for IQM.

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

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

What is the main difference between VUSG and IQM?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for VUSG and 0.50% for IQM.