VUG vs VV
Vanguard Growth ETF vs Vanguard Large-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VV offers more diversification with 431 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VUG | VV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $223.2B | $52.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.47% | 1.25% | |
| Holdings | 155 | 446 | |
| YTD Return | +10.30% | +13.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.28% | +22.60% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.74% | +22.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.10% | +12.97% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 14.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.4% | -56.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 27, 2004 |
VUG vs VV Performance
Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Large-Cap ETF (VV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VUG returned +17.28% while VV returned +22.60%. Year to date, VUG is up 10.30% versus a gain of 13.63% for VV.
Over three years, VUG compounded at +24.74% per year against +22.03% for VV; over five years the annualized figures are +13.10% and +12.97% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.29% annualized vs +9.52%. 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 14.8% for VV. 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 -51.4% for VUG and -56.0% for VV. 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VUG charges 0.03% per year while VV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VUG currently yields 0.47% against 1.25% for VV.
Holdings Overlap
VUG and VV share 143 holdings out of 434 unique holdings combined, representing a 59.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VUG or VV?
VUG has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VV charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VUG or VV?
Over the past year VUG returned +17.28% vs +22.60% for VV, so VV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VUG annualized +11.29% vs +9.52% for VV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VUG or VV?
VUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.8% for VV. Worst drawdown: VUG -51.4% vs VV -56.0%.
Should I hold both VUG and VV?
VUG and VV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 VUG and VV?
VUG and VV share 143 common holdings with a 59.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 434 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VUG or VV?
VUG yields 0.47% while VV yields 1.25%, so VV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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