SCHG vs VUG: Two 0.04% Growth ETFs With Different Index Approaches
Both are cheap large-cap growth ETFs from top-tier issuers. SCHG tracks Dow Jones; VUG tracks CRSP. The overlap is high — but the concentration differs.
SCHG (Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) both charge 0.04% and target US large-cap growth stocks. SCHG holds about 230 stocks from the Dow Jones US Large-Cap Growth Total Stock Market Index, while VUG also holds about 200-230 stocks from the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Top holdings overlap heavily — Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, and Meta dominate both. The key difference: SCHG tends to be slightly more concentrated in the very largest growth names, while VUG is nearly identical in practice. Both are superior to QQQ (0.20%) for pure growth exposure with a lower fee.
Whether the lower-cost fund suits your situation depends on your existing holdings, account type, tax situation, and how you use each fund. This is a cost comparison, not a personalized recommendation.
📋 SCHG vs VUG — Key Facts Side by Side
| Metric | SCHG | VUG |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF | Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF Shares |
| Issuer | Schwab | Vanguard |
| Tracks Index | Dow Jones US Large-Cap Growth | CRSP US Large Cap Growth |
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| Cost per $10K/yr | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| AUM | $59.1B | $365.0B |
| Holdings | 230 | 225 |
| Inception | 2009 | 2004 |
| 1-Year Return | +17.66% | +18.32% |
| 3-Year Return | +23.57% | +23.86% |
| 5-Year Return | +13.55% | +12.96% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.39% | 0.39% |
| Holdings Overlap | See holdings overlap → | |
| Avg Bid-Ask Spread | 0.01% | 0.00% |
Expense ratio, AUM, and returns updated Jul 14, 2026 from ETF BFF database. Returns are annualised. Not investment advice.
📊 SCHG vs VUG — Annualised Returns
Annualised returns (trailing, price-based). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
🎯 Which Fund Fits Which Investor?
- want tech-heavy large-cap growth exposure via Dow Jones US Large-Cap Growth
- already use Schwab and prefer staying within one fund family
- want tech-heavy large-cap growth exposure via CRSP US Large Cap Growth
- already use Vanguard and prefer staying within one fund family
💰 What the Fee Difference Actually Costs
Adjust the numbers for your situation. This models each fund's expense ratio compounding against your balance over time.
Assumes a constant annual return reinvested, with each fund's expense ratio deducted yearly. Illustrative only; actual returns vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
⚙️ Want the Full Interactive Comparison?
Side-by-side holdings overlap, sector breakdown, and live performance tabs, all in one place.
Run Full SCHG vs VUG Comparison → Free · No signup · Instant resultsGet smarter about ETFs — one concept a week, free forever
The ETF BFF newsletter breaks down one ETF concept per week — clear, jargon-free, and actually useful.
Free to learn forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
❓ SCHG vs VUG — Frequently Asked Questions
New to ETF investing? See answers to the most common ETF questions →