VTI vs VUG

Quick Verdict

VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVTIVUGWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.03%
AUM$663.5B$223.2B
Dividend Yield1.07%0.47%
Holdings3,543155
YTD Return+13.39%+9.68%
1Y Return+23.21%+17.24%
3Y Return (annualized)+20.65%+23.75%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.18%+12.86%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%16.5%
Max Drawdown-56.6%-51.4%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 24, 2001Jan 26, 2004

VTI vs VUG Performance

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTI returned +23.21% while VUG returned +17.24%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.39% versus a gain of 9.68% for VUG.

Over three years, VTI compounded at +20.65% per year against +23.75% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.18% and +12.86% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.27% annualized vs +8.11%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VTI charges 0.03% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 0.47% for VUG.

Holdings Overlap

51.6%overlap

VTI and VUG share 139 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.6% weight overlap.

High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VTIWeight in VUGDifference
NVDA6.32%12.60%6.28%
AAPL5.84%11.64%5.80%
MSFT3.81%7.60%3.79%
GOOGLProProPro
AMZNProProPro
GOOGProProPro
AVGOProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
LLYProProPro
See all 10 holdings VTI shares with VUG
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VTI or VUG?

VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VUG charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VTI or VUG?

Over the past year VTI returned +23.21% vs +17.24% for VUG, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VTI annualized +8.11% vs +11.27% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VTI or VUG?

VUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs VUG -51.4%.

Should I hold both VTI and VUG?

VTI and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 VTI and VUG?

VTI and VUG share 139 common holdings with a 51.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or VUG?

VTI yields 1.07% while VUG yields 0.47%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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