VOE vs VUG
Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. VOE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOE offers more diversification with 169 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOE | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $22.9B | $223.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.31% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 177 | 155 | |
| YTD Return | +17.73% | +9.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.33% | +16.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.78% | +24.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.95% | +13.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.4% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2006 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VOE vs VUG Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOE returned +27.33% while VUG returned +16.51%. Year to date, VOE is up 17.73% versus a gain of 9.57% for VUG.
Over three years, VOE compounded at +16.78% per year against +24.05% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.95% and +13.00% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.25% annualized vs +7.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -63.4% for VOE 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOE charges 0.05% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $3 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOE currently yields 2.31% against 0.47% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOE or VUG?
VOE has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VUG charges 0.03%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOE or VUG?
Over the past year VOE returned +27.33% vs +16.51% for VUG, so VOE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VOE annualized +7.98% vs +11.25% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOE or VUG?
VOE has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 16.5% for VUG. Worst drawdown: VOE -63.4% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both VOE and VUG?
VOE and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOE and VUG?
VOE and VUG share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 313 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOE or VUG?
VOE yields 2.31% while VUG yields 0.47%, so VOE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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