Compare/Updated Oct 26, 2026, refreshed every trading day
VUG vs VTI
Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF against Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF: 4 years of returns, risk and today’s technical read, from Kavout’s own data.
VUG did better over the period: $1,000 invested on October 28, 2022 would be worth $2,361 versus $2,017 for VTI, a difference of $344. VUG’s total return was +136.1%, compared with +101.7% for VTI, driven by stronger growth-stock performance. The outperformance came with higher risk: VUG’s 12-month volatility was 18.0% versus 12.9% for VTI, and its worst drawdown was -22.8% versus -19.3%. The funds were highly correlated, with a 0.946 correlation of daily moves, while VUG moved 1.22% for each 1% move in VTI. Both charged a 0.03% expense ratio, so cost did not explain the difference. VUG’s stronger result matters for investors seeking higher growth and accepting greater volatility; VTI provided broader diversification and a smoother ride.
- Price is above its 200-day average ($84); 50-day at $89.
- RSI 37, neutral. Supertrend says sell. ADX 23, so the trend is developing.
- Price is above its 200-day average ($357); 50-day at $377.
- RSI 42, neutral. Supertrend says sell. ADX 14, so the trend is weak.
Head to head
Which has returned more, VUG or VTI?
VUG beat VTI in 28 of the last 48 months; VTI won the other 20. The typical monthly gap was 1.55 points.
Total return by period
Which is riskier?
Both: Feb 19, 2025 to Apr 8, 2025
- 0.946
- correlation of daily moves, 4 years
- 1.22
- VUG move per 1% in VTI
- 0.938
- correlation, last 12 months
Month by month
Of the last 48 months. The typical gap was 1.55 points.
When did they diverge?
| Month | VUG | VTI | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2023 | +7.8% | +2.7% | +5.05 pts |
| May 2023 | +5.2% | +0.4% | +4.73 pts |
| April 2026 | +14.3% | +10.4% | +3.84 pts |
| February 2026 | -4.3% | -0.5% | -3.77 pts |
Where the numbers come from. 1000 daily adjusted closes per fund from the Kavout market-data API, dividends included. Signals and indicators are Kavout’s own, refreshed nightly. Every figure is calculated from those adjusted closes.
Holdings and fees
What do you actually own with VUG and VTI?
Go deeper
Ask InvestGPT which one fits your portfolio.
Eight research agents read your holdings, the overlap and the tax side, then answer in plain words. Free accounts get one report a month.
More comparisons
Find another comparison.
Track both, get told when something changes.
Add VUG and VTI to a watchlist and Kavout emails you when a signal flips or a price target is hit.
Free account, no card