VONG vs VUG
VONG vs VUG
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF vs Vanguard Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. VUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VONG offers more diversification with 386 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VONG | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $44.9B | $223.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 390 | 155 | |
| YTD Return | +5.61% | +10.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.42% | +18.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.13% | +23.99% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.77% | +13.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2010 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VONG vs VUG Performance
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VONG returned +13.42% while VUG returned +18.35%. Year to date, VONG is up 5.61% versus a gain of 10.19% for VUG.
Over three years, VONG compounded at +22.13% per year against +23.99% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.77% and +13.07% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.79% annualized vs +11.29%. 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 15.9% for VONG. 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 -32.7% for VONG 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
VONG charges 0.06% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VONG currently yields 0.54% against 0.47% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
VONG and VUG share 117 holdings out of 415 unique holdings combined, representing a 76.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VONG | Weight in VUG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 13.21% | 12.60% | 0.61% |
| AAPL | 11.11% | 11.64% | 0.53% |
| MSFT | 8.68% | 7.60% | 1.08% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VONG 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, VONG or VUG?
VONG has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VUG charges 0.03%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VONG or VUG?
Over the past year VONG returned +13.42% vs +18.35% for VUG, so VUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VONG annualized +15.79% vs +11.29% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VONG or VUG?
VUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: VONG -32.7% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both VONG and VUG?
VONG 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 VONG and VUG?
VONG and VUG share 117 common holdings with a 76.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 415 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VONG or VUG?
VONG yields 0.54% while VUG yields 0.47%, so VONG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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