SPYG vs VUG: Head-to-Head Comparison
SPYG vs VUG: SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF has an expense ratio of 0.04% while Vanguard Growth ETF charges 0.04%. SPYG holds 230 securities vs VUG's 200. 5-year returns: 17.50% vs 18.00%.
Last updated: April 2026
Growth vs Value
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (8.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPYG | VUG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| AUM | $25.0B | $130.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 0.60% |
| Holdings | 230 | 200 |
| 1-Year Return | 28.00% | 28.00% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 17.50% | 18.00% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.50% | 16.00% |
| Beta | 1.12 | 1.15 |
| P/E Ratio | 33.5 | 35.2 |
SPYG 5-year annualized return is 17.50% compared to VUG's 18.00%. Over 10 years, SPYG returned 15.50% vs VUG's 16.00%.
View data table
| Period | SPYG Return | VUG Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 3.50% | 3.50% |
| 1 Year | 28.00% | 28.00% |
| 3 Year | 11.50% | 12.00% |
| 5 Year | 17.50% | 18.00% |
| 10 Year | 15.50% | 16.00% |
Key Differences Between SPYG and VUG
SPYG (SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF) is a us large-cap growth fund managed by State Street. SPYG tracks the S&P 500 Growth Index, offering exposure to the growth-oriented half of the S&P 500 at an ultra-low expense ratio of just 0.04%. It selects stocks based on sales growth, earnings growth relative to price, and price momentum. For cost-conscious growth investors, SPYG delivers nearly identical exposure to pricier alternatives at a fraction of the cost.
VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) is a us large-cap growth fund managed by Vanguard. VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, providing exposure to fast-growing large U.S. companies, especially in the technology sector. It is ideal for investors who want to capture the upside of innovative companies driving the economy forward. The fund's ultra-low cost makes it one of the cheapest ways to invest in large-cap growth stocks.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.04% vs 0.04%), number of holdings (230 vs 200), and 5-year returns (17.50% vs 18.00%).
SPYG vs VUG multi-factor comparison: SPYG has a 0.04% expense ratio, 17.50% 5-year return, 230 holdings, 1.12 beta, and 0.70% yield. VUG has 0.04% expense ratio, 18.00% 5-year return, 200 holdings, 1.15 beta, and 0.60% yield.
View data table
| Metric | SPYG | VUG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| 5-Year Return | 17.50% | 18.00% |
| Holdings | 230 | 200 |
| Beta | 1.12 | 1.15 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 0.60% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
82%
Holdings Overlap
SPYG and VUG share 82% of their top holdings. This means they are very similar funds — owning both would result in significant duplication in your portfolio. For most beginners, choosing one is sufficient.
SPYG and VUG share 82% of their top holdings (high overlap). SPYG has 230 total holdings and VUG has 200. Common holdings include AAPL, MSFT, NVDA.
View data table
| Metric | SPYG | VUG |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 82% | 82% |
| Unique Holdings | 18% | 18% |
| Total Holdings | 230 | 200 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
SPYG
Fee cost: $344
VUG
Fee cost: $344
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, SPYG (0.04% fee) grows to $46,266 while VUG (0.04% fee) grows to $46,266. The fee difference costs $0.
View data table
| Year | SPYG Value | VUG Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,666 | $14,666 |
| 10 | $21,509 | $21,509 |
| 15 | $31,546 | $31,546 |
| 20 | $46,266 | $46,266 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose SPYG if: You want budget-conscious growth investors who want the cheapest possible s&p 500 growth exposure, investors building factor-based portfolios pairing growth and value etfs, young savers in retirement accounts who prioritize long-term capital appreciation. It's managed by State Street with an expense ratio of 0.04%.
Choose VUG if: You want younger investors with a long time horizon seeking capital appreciation, growth-focused portfolios wanting broad large-cap technology exposure, cost-conscious investors looking for a cheap alternative to actively managed growth funds. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.04%.
Can You Own Both SPYG and VUG?
With 82% holdings overlap, owning both means you're essentially doubling down on the same stocks. For beginners, we recommend picking one to keep things simple. If you want more diversification, consider pairing your choice with an international ETF like VXUS or a bond ETF like BND instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy SPYG or VUG?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (8.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. SPYG is best for investors who want budget-conscious growth investors who want the cheapest possible s&p 500 growth exposure, while VUG is better suited for younger investors with a long time horizon seeking capital appreciation.
What is the difference between SPYG and VUG?▾
SPYG (SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF) tracks us large-cap growth investments with 230 holdings and a 0.04% expense ratio. VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) focuses on us large-cap growth with 200 holdings at 0.04%. Their top holdings overlap by 82%.
Can I own both SPYG and VUG?▾
Since SPYG and VUG have 82% holdings overlap, owning both means significant duplication. Most beginners are better off choosing one.