VOOG vs VUG
Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. VOOG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOOG offers more diversification with 156 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOOG | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $26.1B | $219.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.47% | 0.40% | |
| Holdings | 156 | 146 | |
| YTD Return | +12.06% | +7.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.75% | +14.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.08% | +23.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.04% | +12.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VOOG vs VUG Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOOG returned +20.75% while VUG returned +14.47%. Year to date, VOOG is up 12.06% versus a gain of 7.51% for VUG.
Over three years, VOOG compounded at +26.08% per year against +23.74% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.04% and +12.10% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOOG has the edge at +15.66% annualized vs +11.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% compared with 15.5% for VOOG. 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 VOOG 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOOG charges 0.07% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOOG currently yields 0.47% against 0.40% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
VOOG and VUG share 87 holdings out of 205 unique holdings combined, representing a 71.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOOG or VUG?
VOOG has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VUG charges 0.03%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOOG or VUG?
Over the past year VOOG returned +20.75% vs +14.47% for VUG, so VOOG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOOG annualized +15.66% vs +11.14% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOOG or VUG?
VUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.5% for VOOG. Worst drawdown: VOOG -32.7% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both VOOG and VUG?
VOOG and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VOOG and VUG?
VOOG and VUG share 87 common holdings with a 71.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 205 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOOG or VUG?
VOOG yields 0.47% while VUG yields 0.40%, so VOOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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