VTV vs VUG
Vanguard Value ETF vs Vanguard Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VTV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTV offers more diversification with 308 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTV | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $186.1B | $223.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.29% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 311 | 155 | |
| YTD Return | +18.10% | +9.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.51% | +16.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.49% | +24.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.32% | +13.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.3% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VTV vs VUG Performance
Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTV returned +29.51% while VUG returned +16.51%. Year to date, VTV is up 18.10% versus a gain of 9.57% for VUG.
Over three years, VTV compounded at +18.49% per year against +24.05% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.32% and +13.00% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.25% annualized vs +7.60%. 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 14.5% for VTV. 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 -61.3% for VTV 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
VTV charges 0.03% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VTV currently yields 2.29% against 0.47% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
VTV and VUG share 21 holdings out of 433 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTV or VUG?
VTV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VUG charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTV or VUG?
Over the past year VTV returned +29.51% vs +16.51% for VUG, so VTV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VTV annualized +7.60% vs +11.25% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTV or VUG?
VUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.5% for VTV. Worst drawdown: VTV -61.3% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both VTV and VUG?
VTV 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 VTV and VUG?
VTV and VUG share 21 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 433 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTV or VUG?
VTV yields 2.29% while VUG yields 0.47%, so VTV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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