VUSG vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VUSG (Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUSG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. VUSG is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VUSG charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

VUSG vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) 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, VUSG achieves a 4.42% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 8.72% return.

VUSG

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

VTI

• 1D: -2.68%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 8.72%
• 6M: 8.29%
• 1Y: 26.04%
• 3Y*: 21.08%
• 5Y*: 12.19%
• 10Y*: 14.71%

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

VUSG vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUSG Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF	4.42%	3.21%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.72%	3.70%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSG and VTI is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

VUSG vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 64
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington U.S. Growth Active ETF (VUSG) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VUSG	VTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.50	+0.26

Drawdowns

VUSG vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSG drawdown since its inception was -15.14%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSG and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSG	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.14%	-55.45%	+40.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.92%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.30%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.07%	-2.93%	-2.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.50%	-8.02%	+4.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.94%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUSG	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.90%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.55%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.62%	12.48%	+7.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.62%	17.44%	+2.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.62%	18.32%	+1.30%

VUSG vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSG has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSG vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

VUSG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%, less than VTI's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.04%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%
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 VTI in my portfolio?

VUSG and VTI have a correlation of 0.88, 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 VTI?

On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSG or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for VUSG.

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

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.02% for VUSG.

What is the main difference between VUSG and VTI?

VUSG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for VUSG and 0.03% for VTI.