VXF vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VXF (Vanguard Extended Market ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VXF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P Completion Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VXF returned 12.08%/yr vs 18.26%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VXF charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

VXF vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) 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, VXF achieves a 13.78% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return. Over the past 10 years, VXF has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 12.08%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.26% annualized return.

VXF

• 1D: -1.02%
• 1M: 4.75%
• YTD: 13.78%
• 6M: 12.61%
• 1Y: 28.88%
• 3Y*: 19.75%
• 5Y*: 6.53%
• 10Y*: 12.08%

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

VXF vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	13.78%	11.40%	16.89%	25.51%	-26.52%	12.31%	32.45%	27.96%	-9.34%	18.06%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between VXF and VUG is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.86

The correlation between VXF and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (1 year) to 0.86 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VXF vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXF	VUG
Technology	19.8%	53.5%
Industrials	19.3%	3.6%
Financial Services	14.6%	4.3%
Healthcare	13.3%	4.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	12.2%
Real Estate	6.0%	1.0%
Energy	5.1%	0.4%
Basic Materials	4.2%	0.6%
Communication Services	3.3%	17.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	1.5%
Utilities	2.0%	0.9%

Return for Risk

VXF vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXF

VXF Risk / Return Rank: 50
VXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VXF Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXF Martin Ratio Rank: 57

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

VXF vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) 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.

	VXF	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.77	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.40	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.31	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	1.69	+1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.07	5.92	+4.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VXF vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXF 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VXF	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	1.77	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29	0.68	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	0.85	-0.31
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.62	-0.16

Drawdowns

VXF vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXF drawdown since its inception was -58.03%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXF and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXF	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.03%	-50.68%	-7.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.21%	-16.53%	+6.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.92%	-22.85%	-4.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.39%	-35.61%	-0.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.72%	-35.61%	-6.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-1.51%	+0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.55%	-7.09%	-2.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.87%	4.71%	-1.84%

Volatility

VXF vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) has a higher volatility of 4.87% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 3.83%. This indicates that VXF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXF	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.87%	3.83%	+1.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.44%	12.11%	+0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.22%	15.84%	+1.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.33%	22.22%	+0.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.29%	21.44%	+0.85%

VXF vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXF has a 0.05% 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

VXF vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

VXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	1.02%	1.14%	1.09%	1.27%	1.15%	1.13%	1.07%	1.30%	1.66%	1.25%	1.43%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VXF and VUG in my portfolio?

VXF and VUG have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VXF or VUG?

VXF has higher volatility (4.87%) compared to VUG (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXF dropped -58.03% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, VXF or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.26% vs 12.08% for VXF. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 3.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXF or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.26% return vs 12.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXF or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for VXF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VXF or VUG?

VXF has the higher dividend yield at 1.02%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between VXF and VUG?

VXF is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. VXF tracks S&P Completion Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXF and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.69), 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.