Vanguard Growth ETF vs. SPDR Dow Jones ETF: Significant Cost and Return Differences
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1h ago
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Source: Fool
- Cost Comparison: Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) offers a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.04% compared to SPDR Dow Jones ETF (DIA) at 0.16%, making VUG more cost-effective for long-term investors looking to minimize expenses.
- Performance Metrics: As of January 9, 2026, VUG's one-year return stands at 21.1%, surpassing DIA's 19.9%, indicating VUG's superior performance over the past year, which may attract investors seeking higher returns.
- Holdings Structure: VUG comprises over 166 growth-oriented companies, with a substantial 64% allocation to technology, while DIA is limited to 30 blue-chip stocks primarily in financials and industrials, allowing VUG to better capture growth opportunities in the market.
- Risk Assessment: VUG's maximum drawdown of 35.61% is significantly higher than DIA's 20.76%, indicating that VUG carries greater risk during market volatility, making it suitable for investors with a higher risk tolerance, while DIA offers a more stable investment option.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
