What is Vanguard Growth ETF's average annual return?

Since 2005, Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has returned about 15.4% a year (the compound annual growth rate) and an average calendar-year return of 18.5%.

What were Vanguard Growth ETF's best and worst years?

Over 2005–2026, the best year was 2023 (+51.7%) and the worst was 2008 (-38.6%).

How often is Vanguard Growth ETF up in a year?

19 of the 21 full years since 2005 were positive — about 90% of the time.

VUG

Vanguard Growth ETFETF · Broad Market

$88.68−$0.05 (-0.06%)as of market close, Aug 6, 2026

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VUG returns by year

Vanguard Growth ETF has returned +15.4% annually (CAGR) since 2005. Calendar-year, monthly and weekly total returns for Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) below, through August 6, 2026 — the most recent year is year-to-date.

Annualized (CAGR)

+15.4%

2005–2026

Average year

+18.5%

21 full years

Best year

+51.7%

2023

Worst year

-38.6%

2008

Positive years

19/21

90% up

Vanguard Growth ETF returns by year (2005–2026)#

Calendar-year returns with each year's path and its dividend contribution (dividend return = total minus price return).

Vanguard Growth ETF annual returns by year
Year	Start price	End price	Dividend	Total return
2026YTD	$81.31	$88.68	+0.8%	+9.9%
2025	$68.41	$81.31	+3.3%	+22.1%
2024	$51.81	$68.41	+4.0%	+36.0%
2023	$35.52	$51.81	+5.8%	+51.7%
2022	$53.48	$35.52	+2.6%	-31.0%
2021	$42.22	$53.48	+4.1%	+30.8%
2020	$30.36	$42.22	+7.2%	+46.2%
2019	$22.39	$30.36	+8.7%	+44.3%
2018	$23.44	$22.39	+7.2%	+2.7%
2017	$18.58	$23.44	+9.5%	+35.7%
2016	$17.73	$18.58	+9.1%	+13.9%
2015	$17.40	$17.73	+8.1%	+10.0%
2014	$15.51	$17.40	+8.7%	+20.9%
2013	$11.86	$15.51	+10.7%	+41.5%
2012	$10.29	$11.86	+10.8%	+26.1%
2011	$10.24	$10.29	+0.2%	+0.7%
2010	$8.84	$10.24	+0.2%	+15.9%
2009	$6.59	$8.84	+0.2%	+34.5%
2008	$10.75	$6.59	+0.1%	-38.6%
2007	$9.64	$10.75	+0.1%	+11.6%
2006	$8.92	$9.64	+0.1%	+8.3%
2005	$8.57	$8.92	+0.1%	+4.2%

Total return by period

-40%-20%+0%+20%+40%

'05'07'09'11'13'15'17'19'21'23'25

Methodology#

Returns are total returns (dividends reinvested), computed from VUG's split- and dividend-adjusted closes. The bar chart switches between annual and monthly periods. Annualized return is the compound annual growth rate over the full period. The current year is year-to-date. See also the periodic table of returns. Past performance does not predict future returns; not investment advice.

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FAQ

What is Vanguard Growth ETF's average annual return?: Since 2005, Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has returned about 15.4% a year (the compound annual growth rate) and an average calendar-year return of 18.5%.
What were Vanguard Growth ETF's best and worst years?: Over 2005–2026, the best year was 2023 (+51.7%) and the worst was 2008 (-38.6%).
How often is Vanguard Growth ETF up in a year?: 19 of the 21 full years since 2005 were positive — about 90% of the time.