SCHG vs. VUG: Here's How to Decide on the Right Growth ETF for Your Portfolio

Core Insights - The Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) are both designed to provide exposure to large-cap U.S. growth stocks, with a focus on technology [1] Cost & Size - Both VUG and SCHG have an expense ratio of 0.04% and similar dividend yields, with VUG at 0.41% and SCHG at 0.36% [2] - VUG has a significantly larger Assets Under Management (AUM) of $352 billion compared to SCHG's $53 billion [2] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, VUG has experienced a maximum drawdown of -35.61%, while SCHG had a drawdown of -34.59% [3] - An investment of $1,000 in VUG would have grown to $1,929, whereas the same investment in SCHG would have grown to $2,036 over five years [3] Portfolio Composition - SCHG holds 198 companies, with 45% in technology, 16% in communication services, and 13% in consumer cyclical, featuring top positions in Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [4] - VUG has a narrower portfolio of 160 stocks, with a heavier technology allocation of 51%, followed by communication services and consumer cyclical [5] Investment Implications - VUG's focus on technology may lead to greater volatility, as indicated by its higher beta of 1.21 compared to SCHG's 1.17 [8] - Investors seeking more exposure to technology may prefer VUG, while those looking for greater diversification and stability may opt for SCHG [9]