VUG vs VXF
Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXF offers more diversification with 3,385 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VUG | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $219.5B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.40% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 146 | 3,385 | |
| YTD Return | +8.06% | +13.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.72% | +17.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.57% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.85% | +5.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.4% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VUG vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VUG returned +15.72% while VXF returned +17.51%. Year to date, VUG is up 8.06% versus a gain of 13.09% for VXF.
Over three years, VUG compounded at +22.57% per year against +18.02% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are +11.85% and +5.74% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.16% annualized vs +8.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% compared with 16.5% for VUG. 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VUG charges 0.03% per year while VXF charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VUG currently yields 0.40% against 1.03% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VUG and VXF share 23 holdings out of 3418 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VUG or VXF?
VUG has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXF charges 0.05%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VUG or VXF?
Over the past year VUG returned +15.72% vs +17.51% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VUG annualized +11.16% vs +8.89% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VUG or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 16.5% for VUG. Worst drawdown: VUG -51.4% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VUG and VXF?
VUG and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VUG and VXF?
VUG and VXF share 23 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3418 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VUG or VXF?
VUG yields 0.40% while VXF yields 1.03%, so VXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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