VUG vs VWIUX
Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. VUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VUG | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $219.5B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.40% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 146 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +7.81% | -1.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.94% | +1.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.03% | +0.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.48% | -1.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.4% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VUG vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VUG returned +15.94% while VWIUX returned +1.04%. Year to date, VUG is up 7.81% versus a loss of 1.59% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VUG compounded at +24.03% per year against +0.67% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +12.48% and -1.78% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.16% annualized vs -1.78%. 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 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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
VUG charges 0.03% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VUG currently yields 0.40% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VUG and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 1909 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VUG or VWIUX?
VUG has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VUG or VWIUX?
Over the past year VUG returned +15.94% vs +1.04% for VWIUX, so VUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VUG annualized +11.16% vs -1.78% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VUG or VWIUX?
VUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VUG -51.4% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both VUG and VWIUX?
VUG and VWIUX 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 VUG and VWIUX?
VUG and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1909 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VUG or VWIUX?
VUG yields 0.40% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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