VONG vs VWO
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
VWO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWO offers more diversification with 6,334 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VONG | VWO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $51.6B | $122.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 2.39% | |
| Holdings | 373 | 6,334 | |
| YTD Return | +4.01% | +10.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.19% | +20.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.47% | +18.45% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.11% | +7.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -68.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2010 | Mar 4, 2005 |
VONG vs VWO Performance
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VONG returned +12.19% while VWO returned +20.99%. Year to date, VONG is up 4.01% versus a gain of 10.18% for VWO.
Over three years, VONG compounded at +22.47% per year against +18.45% for VWO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.11% and +7.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.63% annualized vs +4.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 15.9% for VONG. 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 -32.7% for VONG and -68.3% for VWO. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VONG charges 0.06% per year while VWO charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $6 annually. On income, VONG currently yields 0.48% against 2.39% for VWO.
Holdings Overlap
VONG and VWO share 1 holdings out of 4354 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VONG | Weight in VWO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANGJ:ZA | 0.11% | 0.54% | 0.43% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VONG or VWO?
VONG has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VWO charges 0.06%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VONG or VWO?
Over the past year VONG returned +12.19% vs +20.99% for VWO, so VWO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VONG annualized +15.63% vs +4.98% for VWO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VONG or VWO?
VWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: VONG -32.7% vs VWO -68.3%.
Should I hold both VONG and VWO?
VONG and VWO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VONG and VWO?
VONG and VWO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4354 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VONG or VWO?
VONG yields 0.48% while VWO yields 2.39%, so VWO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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