VEU vs VUG
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF vs Vanguard Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. VEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEU offers more diversification with 2818 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEU | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $67.3B | $223.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.54% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 3,921 | 155 | |
| YTD Return | +14.40% | +9.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.97% | +16.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | +24.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.31% | +13.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VEU vs VUG Performance
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEU returned +27.97% while VUG returned +16.51%. Year to date, VEU is up 14.40% versus a gain of 9.57% for VUG.
Over three years, VEU compounded at +19.79% per year against +24.05% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.31% and +13.00% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.25% annualized vs +3.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 16.5% for VUG. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -62.8% for VEU and -51.4% for VUG. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEU charges 0.04% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEU currently yields 2.54% against 0.47% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEU or VUG?
VEU has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VUG charges 0.03%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEU or VUG?
Over the past year VEU returned +27.97% vs +16.51% for VUG, so VEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), VEU annualized +3.55% vs +11.25% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEU or VUG?
VEU has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 16.5% for VUG. Worst drawdown: VEU -62.8% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both VEU and VUG?
VEU and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEU and VUG?
VEU and VUG share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2962 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEU or VUG?
VEU yields 2.54% while VUG yields 0.47%, so VEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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