VONG vs. VOOG: How These Similar Large-Cap Growth ETFs Compare for Investors

Core Insights - The Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) and the Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) provide low-cost exposure to U.S. growth stocks but track different indexes, leading to distinct portfolio compositions [1] Cost & Size - VOOG has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VONG has a slightly lower expense ratio of 0.06% [2] - As of March 2, 2026, VOOG's 1-year return is 18.47% compared to VONG's 14.53% [2] - Both funds have similar dividend yields, with VOOG at 0.49% and VONG at 0.46% [2] - VOOG has $22.5 billion in assets under management (AUM), while VONG has $46.5 billion [2] Performance & Risk Comparison - The maximum drawdown over 5 years for VOOG is -32.74%, while VONG is slightly lower at -32.72% [4] - An investment of $1,000 would grow to $1,863 in VOOG and $1,867 in VONG over 5 years [4] Portfolio Composition - VONG tracks the Russell 1000 Growth Index, holding 391 stocks with a significant allocation to technology (50%), consumer cyclical (14%), and communication services (13%) [5] - VOOG tracks the S&P 500 Growth Index and holds 140 stocks, with 48% in technology, 18% in communication services, and 10% in consumer cyclical [6] - Top holdings for VONG include Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, while VOOG's top holdings are Nvidia, Microsoft, and Alphabet [5][6] Implications for Investors - VOOG is more concentrated with 251 fewer stocks than VONG, leading to differences in sector and stock allocations [7] - VOOG has a larger allocation to communication services, while VONG has a heavier tilt towards consumer cyclical stocks [7] - Both funds include Nvidia and Microsoft in their top three holdings, but VOOG has a greater investment in Alphabet, whereas VONG leans towards Apple [8]