VWUAX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VWUAX (Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Vanguard. VWUAX is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VWUAX returned 16.10%/yr vs 18.28%/yr for VUG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VWUAX charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

VWUAX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWUAX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWUAX achieves a 1.49% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 5.76% return. Over the past 10 years, VWUAX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 16.10%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.28% annualized return.

VWUAX

• 1D: 1.64%
• 1M: -0.14%
• YTD: 1.49%
• 6M: 0.67%
• 1Y: 13.98%
• 3Y*: 19.91%
• 5Y*: 5.28%
• 10Y*: 16.10%

VUG

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 5.76%
• 6M: 5.17%
• 1Y: 24.00%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 13.40%
• 10Y*: 18.28%

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

VWUAX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWUAX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares	1.49%	15.49%	31.79%	45.32%	-39.58%	2.43%	58.80%	48.42%	0.77%	31.26%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.76%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between VWUAX and VUG 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	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.96

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

VWUAX vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

VWUAX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWUAX

VWUAX Risk / Return Rank: 9
VWUAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
VWUAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
VWUAX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
VWUAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VWUAX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 37
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

VWUAX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWUAX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	VWUAX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.77	1.44	-0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.13	1.97	-0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.25	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.70	1.46	-0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.06	4.99	-2.93

VWUAX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWUAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.77, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWUAX and VUG, 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

VWUAX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWUAX drawdown since its inception was -50.37%, roughly equal to the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWUAX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWUAX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.37%	-50.68%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.12%	-16.53%	-2.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.01%	-22.85%	-2.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.17%	-35.61%	-14.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.17%	-35.61%	-14.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.91%	-4.86%	+0.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.81%	-7.09%	-5.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.50%	4.82%	+1.68%

Volatility

VWUAX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWUAX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 6.62% and 6.55%, 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

	VWUAX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.62%	6.55%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.70%	13.32%	+0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.45%	16.80%	+0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.02%	22.36%	+2.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.77%	21.53%	+2.24%

VWUAX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWUAX has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VWUAX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

VWUAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.36%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%
VWUAX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares	9.36%	9.50%	4.70%	0.37%	0.49%	3.60%	4.00%	13.28%	9.80%	4.63%	1.67%	9.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWUAX and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VWUAX and VUG 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, VWUAX or VUG?

VWUAX has higher volatility (6.62%) compared to VUG (6.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWUAX dropped -50.37% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 0.77), 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.