IWF vs VUG
IWF vs VUG
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF vs Vanguard Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. VUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWF offers more diversification with 369 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWF | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $120.5B | $223.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 372 | 155 | |
| YTD Return | +4.90% | +9.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.94% | +17.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.72% | +23.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.45% | +12.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.8% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Jan 26, 2004 |
IWF vs VUG Performance
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IWF returned +11.94% while VUG returned +17.24%. Year to date, IWF is up 4.90% versus a gain of 9.68% for VUG.
Over three years, IWF compounded at +21.72% per year against +23.75% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.45% and +12.86% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.27% annualized vs +7.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -66.8% for IWF 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
IWF charges 0.18% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWF currently yields 0.35% against 0.47% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
IWF and VUG share 112 holdings out of 403 unique holdings combined, representing a 78.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWF | Weight in VUG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 13.66% | 12.60% | 1.06% |
| AAPL | 7.33% | 11.64% | 4.31% |
| GOOGL | 6.39% | 5.74% | 0.65% |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWF shares with VUG Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWF or VUG?
IWF has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VUG charges 0.03%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWF or VUG?
Over the past year IWF returned +11.94% vs +17.24% for VUG, so VUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), IWF annualized +7.43% vs +11.27% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWF or VUG?
IWF has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 16.5% for VUG. Worst drawdown: IWF -66.8% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both IWF and VUG?
IWF 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 IWF and VUG?
IWF and VUG share 112 common holdings with a 78.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 403 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWF or VUG?
IWF yields 0.35% while VUG yields 0.47%, so VUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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