VUG: Vanguard Growth ETF returns, drawdowns and risk
Funds that tilt towards companies with faster expected growth, typically technology and consumer names.
Data updated October 2026
VUG · US exchange · USDCategory: US growth ETFsData from June 2020
From June 2020 to October 2026 VUG returned 17.1% a year on average with dividends reinvested, in US dollars: $10,000 invested at the start grew to $27,446.
Its deepest fall was 35.9%, from November 2021 to November 2022, and it took about 26 months to get back to the previous high. Annual volatility was 21.9%; at the last close it was 4.1% below its high.
Against SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust), over the 76 months both have data, the correlation of monthly returns was 0.94: they moved almost in lockstep. Beta was 1.21. In months when SPY rose, VUG moved 110% as much on average; in months when SPY fell, 120% as much.
Key figures
- Annual return (CAGR)
- +17.1%
- 1-year return
- +11.7%
- 5 years, a year
- +11.8%
- 10 years, a year
- —
- Annual volatility
- 21.9%
- Maximum drawdown
- −35.9%
- Sharpe ratio
- 0.71
- Worst year
- 2022: −33.5%
Trailing returns
| Period | VUG | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | +11.7% | +16.6% |
| 3 years, a year | +25.0% | +23.1% |
| 5 years, a year | +11.8% | +12.7% |
To the last close of October 2026. Periods longer than a year are annualised.
Growth of $10,000: VUG vs SPY
Month-end values from July 2020, the first month both funds have data.
VUG drawdowns
Percentage below the previous high, weekly.
Returns by calendar year
| Year | VUG | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(partial) | +9.5% | +13.3% |
| 2025 | +18.9% | +17.7% |
| 2024 | +32.1% | +24.9% |
| 2023 | +46.0% | +26.2% |
| 2022 | −33.5% | −18.2% |
| 2021 | +26.8% | +28.7% |
| 2020(partial) | +29.6% | — |
VUG compared
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Sharpe ratio uses the return of short-term government bills in the same currency as the risk-free rate. The growth chart uses month-end values; drawdowns and volatility use daily closes.
Questions
What is the average annual return of VUG?
From June 2020 to October 2026 VUG returned 17.1% a year on average (CAGR) with dividends reinvested, in USD. Over the last 5 years: +11.8% a year. Over the last 12 months: +11.7%.
What was the worst drawdown of VUG?
35.9%, from November 2021 to November 2022; it took about 26 months from the previous high to get back to it.
How volatile is VUG?
Annual volatility was 21.9% over the period. Its worst month was −12.9% and 61% of months were positive. Worst calendar year: 2022 (−33.5%).
How closely does VUG follow SPY?
Over 76 months the correlation of monthly returns was 0.94, so they moved almost in lockstep, with a beta of 1.21.
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Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.