^GSPC vs. VIGAX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

^GSPC (S&P 500 Index) is an index, while VIGAX (Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) is Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, ^GSPC returned 13.61%/yr vs 17.87%/yr for VIGAX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep.

Performance

^GSPC vs. VIGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in S&P 500 Index (^GSPC) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ^GSPC achieves a 8.56% return, which is significantly higher than VIGAX's 4.85% return. Over the past 10 years, ^GSPC has underperformed VIGAX with an annualized return of 13.61%, while VIGAX has yielded a comparatively higher 17.87% annualized return.

^GSPC

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: 8.56%
• 6M: 8.85%
• 1Y: 22.93%
• 3Y*: 19.37%
• 5Y*: 11.84%
• 10Y*: 13.61%

VIGAX

• 1D: 1.82%
• 1M: -2.66%
• YTD: 4.85%
• 6M: 5.52%
• 1Y: 21.03%
• 3Y*: 23.61%
• 5Y*: 13.73%
• 10Y*: 17.87%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

^GSPC vs. VIGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
^GSPC S&P 500 Index	8.56%	16.39%	23.31%	24.23%	-19.44%	26.89%	16.26%	28.88%	-6.24%	19.42%
VIGAX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.85%	19.43%	32.67%	46.76%	-33.14%	27.26%	40.18%	37.23%	-3.35%	27.80%

Correlation

The correlation between ^GSPC and VIGAX is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.96

The correlation between ^GSPC and VIGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

^GSPC vs. VIGAX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

^GSPC

^GSPC Risk / Return Rank: 73
^GSPC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
^GSPC Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
^GSPC Omega Ratio Rank: 77
^GSPC Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
^GSPC Martin Ratio Rank: 82

VIGAX

VIGAX Risk / Return Rank: 27
VIGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VIGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
VIGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
VIGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
VIGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

^GSPC vs. VIGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for S&P 500 Index (^GSPC) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	^GSPC	VIGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.29	+0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	1.78	+0.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.23	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	1.29	+1.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.37	4.48	+6.89

^GSPC vs. VIGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ^GSPC Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is higher than the VIGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ^GSPC and VIGAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

^GSPC vs. VIGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ^GSPC drawdown since its inception was -56.78%, which is greater than VIGAX's maximum drawdown of -50.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ^GSPC and VIGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	^GSPC	VIGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.78%	-50.66%	-6.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.10%	-16.51%	+7.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.90%	-23.04%	+4.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.43%	-35.63%	+10.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.92%	-35.63%	+1.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.34%	-5.66%	+3.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.72%	-11.95%	+1.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.02%	4.75%	-2.73%

Volatility

^GSPC vs. VIGAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for S&P 500 Index (^GSPC) is 4.43%, while Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX) has a volatility of 5.91%. This indicates that ^GSPC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VIGAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	^GSPC	VIGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	5.91%	-1.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.70%	13.06%	-3.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.38%	16.55%	-4.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.97%	22.44%	-5.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.09%	21.63%	-3.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ^GSPC and VIGAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, ^GSPC and VIGAX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ^GSPC or VIGAX?

VIGAX has higher volatility (5.91%) compared to ^GSPC (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ^GSPC dropped -56.78% vs VIGAX's -50.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

^GSPC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.29), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.