Reviewed by CleaRank editorial team. Data refreshed daily. Not financial advice.
Comparative Analysis
VUG wins this head-to-head comparison against VOOG, primarily driven by its superior longer-term momentum and a more favorable expense ratio. While both ETFs track large-cap growth stocks and exhibit similar sector concentrations, VUG's historical performance, particularly over the 5-year and 10-year periods, indicates a stronger ability to capture market upside. Also, VUG's lower expense ratio translates to better net returns for investors over time. VOOG shows some strength in its shorter-term trailing returns, but VUG's overall profile presents a more compelling case for sustained growth. VOOG offers a slightly higher dividend yield, which may appeal to income-focused investors. However, the core objective for these growth-oriented ETFs is capital appreciation, an area where VUG has historically outperformed. The technical indicators are mixed for both, suggesting a period of consolidation, but VUG's slightly better positioning relative to its 52-week high and its more established history give it an edge. The decision hinges on prioritizing long-term growth and cost efficiency, where VUG is the clear leader.
Key Differentiator
The most significant differentiator between VUG and VOOG is VUG's substantially lower expense ratio (0.03% vs. 0.07%) and its superior long-term trailing returns, particularly over 5 and 10 years. While both ETFs track similar large-cap growth segments, VUG's cost efficiency and historical performance advantage make it the more compelling choice for investors prioritizing long-term capital appreciation and minimizing investment costs.
Joint Outlook
The outlook for both VUG and VOOG is largely dependent on the continued strength of the technology sector and the broader economic environment. Given their heavy weighting in technology, any significant shifts in tech earnings, innovation cycles, or regulatory landscapes will directly impact their performance. A scenario of continued technological advancement and strong consumer spending could see both ETFs perform well, potentially favoring VUG due to its lower costs. Conversely, an environment of rising interest rates or increased regulatory scrutiny on tech giants could present headwinds. In such a scenario, VOOG's slightly better short-term performance might offer some resilience, but the long-term impact of higher expenses would still be a factor. Investors should monitor macroeconomic indicators, particularly inflation and central bank policy, as these will heavily influence the growth stock landscape.
Price Analysis Comparison
Asset Metrics i
Asset Metrics: VUG vs VOOG
Metric
VUG
VOOG
52 Week Range
$69.63 - $90.60
$64.99 - $86.14
Prev. Close
$88.02
$83.74
Market Cap
20.21B
1.32B
24h Volume
5.36M
1.06M
Instead, their valuation is implicitly tied to the growth prospects of their holdings. VUG's price is currently $87.71, trading below its 52-week high of $90.60, indicating some room for appreciation. VOOG's price of $83.16 is also below its 52-week high of $86.14. Both ETFs are trading above their 50-day and 200-day moving averages, suggesting a generally positive trend. VUG's price is closer to its 52-week high than VOOG's, with VUG trading 2.94% below its peak and VOOG trading 3.34% below its peak. This slight proximity to highs for VUG can be interpreted as a sign of current strength, though it also implies less immediate upside from current levels compared to a hypothetical asset closer to its lows. The overall valuation context for both is tied to the broader market sentiment and the growth outlook for the technology sector, which dominates both portfolios.
Market Performance i
Market Performance: VUG vs VOOG
Metric
VUG
VOOG
Volatility (30D)
15.58%
15.29%
24h Range
$86.98 - $88.14
$82.53 - $83.49
Market Strength (RSI)
55.0
51.8
Trend (SMA 50)
Bullish
Bullish
Both assets exhibit similar volatility levels (~15%). Market momentum is currently Bullish for both.
Technical Indicators
Technical indicators: VUG vs VOOG
Indicator
VUG
VOOG
RSI (14)
55.00
51.81
50-Day MA
$87.10
$83.01
200-Day MA
$82.64
$77.50
VUG is showing mixed technical signals, with a CCI of -46.41 and an RSI of 55, indicating it is neither overbought nor oversold but leaning towards neutral momentum. Its MACD is slightly positive at 0.155, suggesting some underlying upward pressure, while its stochastic is at 31.62, indicating it is in the lower half of its range. VUG is trading above its 50-day ($87.10) and 200-day ($82.64) moving averages, confirming an uptrend. VOOG also presents mixed signals, with a CCI of -100.85 and an RSI of 51.81, also suggesting neutral momentum. Its MACD is slightly positive at 0.096, and its stochastic is at 23.77, indicating it is in the lower end of its range. VOOG is trading above its 50-day ($83.01) and 200-day ($77.50) moving averages, confirming an uptrend. Both ETFs are showing signs of consolidation, with VUG's slightly higher RSI and MACD suggesting marginally stronger current momentum.
AI Analyst Sentiment
Technical rating: based on current price action versus moving averages and momentum. This measures short-term chart trend, not analyst opinion or company fundamentals.
VUG
Buy
Technical Score: 75/100
VOOG
Buy
Technical Score: 78/100
As ETFs, VUG and VOOG do not have analyst ratings or median price targets in the same way individual stocks do. Sentiment for these funds is primarily derived from their historical performance trends, fund flows (though not provided here), and the underlying market sentiment towards their core holdings, which are large-cap growth stocks. The strong historical trailing returns, especially over longer periods, suggest positive investor sentiment towards these types of exposures. Given their heavy weighting in technology, sentiment towards VUG and VOOG is closely tied to the outlook for the tech sector. Positive news or outlook for major tech companies would likely translate into positive sentiment for both ETFs. Conversely, negative developments in the tech industry could dampen sentiment. The lack of specific analyst data means sentiment must be inferred from price action and fund characteristics.
Note: While VOOG shows stronger short-term technical momentum (Buy 78/100), the AI comparative analysis favors VUG (Buy 75/100) based on its overall trend structure, fundamentals, and risk-adjusted outlook.
Risk Stratification i
Risk metrics: VUG vs VOOG
Metric
VUG
VOOG
Sharpe Ratio
0.56
0.69
The primary risk for both VUG and VOOG lies in their significant concentration within the technology sector. A downturn in technology stocks, driven by regulatory changes, increased competition, or shifts in consumer demand, could disproportionately impact both ETFs. Their large-cap growth focus also means they are sensitive to interest rate hikes, as higher rates can diminish the present value of future earnings, which are key for growth companies. VOOG's slightly higher expense ratio presents a drag on performance over the long term, representing a quantifiable risk to net returns. While VUG has a longer track record, its performance relative to its category peers in the shorter term (1-year, 3-month) has lagged, suggesting potential periods of underperformance. Both ETFs are exposed to market risk inherent in equity investments, and their growth orientation makes them more susceptible to economic slowdowns compared to value or dividend-focused funds.
Comparative ProTips
Prioritize VUG for its lower expense ratio and stronger long-term historical performance, which are key for maximizing growth over time.
Consider VOOG if shorter-term momentum (1-year, YTD) is a primary focus, but be mindful of its higher costs.
Diversify beyond these ETFs or within the broader market to mitigate the significant sector concentration risk inherent in both funds.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
Actionable Trade Plans
Compare entry, exit, and risk management levels for both assets
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative3%Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$✎
Position Size: $200 - $300 per asset
VUG
Current: $87.71
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$83.32
Aggressive
$87.71
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$80.82
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$87.49
+10%
$91.66
+15%
$95.82
VOOG
Current: $83.16
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$79.00
Aggressive
$83.16
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$76.63
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
This comparison involves assets with varying risk profiles. The content is for educational purposes only. Identifying the stronger asset is based on relative strength (RS) and technical convergence. Past correlation does not guarantee future lockstep movement. Trading involves risk of loss.
Note: The AI favored VUG based on price momentum. This is valid for the specified timeframe only. While VOOG currently shows the stronger short-term technical score (78 vs 75), the AI favors VUG on the factors above rather than today's technical setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ETF offers a better expense ratio, VUG or VOOG?+
VUG has a lower expense ratio of 0.03%, making it cheaper to hold than VOOG, which has an expense ratio of 0.07%. This cost difference can significantly impact long-term returns.
How do VUG and VOOG compare in terms of historical performance?+
VUG has demonstrated stronger trailing returns over the 5-year (12.15% vs 13.01%) and 10-year (17.76% vs 17.68%) periods compared to VOOG. However, VOOG shows stronger performance in the 1-year (22.22% vs 15.90%) and YTD (13.59% vs 8.76%) periods.
What are the key risks associated with investing in VUG and VOOG?+
Both ETFs carry significant sector concentration risk, primarily in technology, and are sensitive to interest rate changes. VOOG also has a higher expense ratio, which acts as a performance drag.
Which ETF has a higher dividend yield?+
VOOG offers a slightly higher dividend yield of 0.45% compared to VUG's 0.39%.
How do their sector allocations compare?+
Both ETFs are heavily weighted in Technology, with VUG at 56.32% and VOOG at 51.70%. VOOG has a slightly more diversified allocation across other sectors like Industrials and Consumer Cyclical compared to VUG.
What is the net asset size of VUG and VOOG?+
VUG has significantly larger net assets of $379.4 billion, while VOOG has net assets of $27.1 billion. Larger net assets often indicate greater liquidity and investor confidence.
What is the outlook for large-cap growth ETFs like VUG and VOOG?+
The outlook for large-cap growth ETFs remains tied to the performance of the technology sector and the broader economic environment. Continued innovation in tech could drive growth, but rising interest rates and potential regulatory scrutiny pose risks.