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IWF vs VUG: Performance & Backtest Comparison
VUG delivered the higher return - 11.86% CAGR vs 11.81% - over 2004-02-29 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| IWF | VUG | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares Russell 1000 Growth Fund | Vanguard Growth ETF |
| CAGR | 11.81% | 11.86% |
| Total return | 1133.03% | 1144.81% |
| Volatility | 16.11% | 16.60% |
| Max drawdown | -48.00%Feb 2009 | -47.18%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.67 | 0.66 |
| Sortino | 0.96 | 0.95 |
| Best year | 42.60% | 46.83% |
| Worst year | -38.22% | -38.02% |
| Final balance | $123,303 | $124,481 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 1.00. Wondering if you need both? Check their fund overlap →
All figures are total returns: every dividend and distribution is reinvested on its ex-date, and prices are split-adjusted. See the methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which has performed better, IWF or VUG?
Over 2004-02-29 to 2026-07-31, VUG performed better: 11.86% annualized versus 11.81% for IWF, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are IWF and VUG?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 1.00 over the common period. IWF is iShares Russell 1000 Growth Fund; VUG is Vanguard Growth ETF.
Which is riskier, IWF or VUG?
Over the common period IWF had 16.11% annualized volatility and a -48.00% max drawdown, versus 16.60% and -47.18% for VUG.