ACAZX vs. VRGWX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ACAZX (Alger Capital Appreciation Fund Class Z) and VRGWX (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ACAZX returned 21.15%/yr vs 18.55%/yr for VRGWX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ACAZX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VRGWX.

Performance

ACAZX vs. VRGWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alger Capital Appreciation Fund Class Z (ACAZX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ACAZX achieves a 13.16% return, which is significantly higher than VRGWX's 5.06% return. Over the past 10 years, ACAZX has outperformed VRGWX with an annualized return of 21.15%, while VRGWX has yielded a comparatively lower 18.55% annualized return.

ACAZX

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 4.19%
• 6M: 10.74%
• YTD: 13.16%
• 1Y: 32.00%
• 3Y*: 40.90%
• 5Y*: 18.84%
• 10Y*: 21.15%

VRGWX

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 2.01%
• 6M: 4.17%
• YTD: 5.06%
• 1Y: 16.52%
• 3Y*: 22.59%
• 5Y*: 13.89%
• 10Y*: 18.55%

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

ACAZX vs. VRGWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ACAZX Alger Capital Appreciation Fund Class Z	13.16%	31.33%	69.38%	43.53%	-36.63%	18.48%	42.23%	33.63%	-0.61%	31.78%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.06%	18.32%	33.25%	42.65%	-29.18%	32.42%	38.38%	36.30%	-1.59%	30.11%

Correlation

The correlation between ACAZX and VRGWX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2010	0.97

The correlation between ACAZX and VRGWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ACAZX vs. VRGWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ACAZX

ACAZX Risk / Return Rank: 35
ACAZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
ACAZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
ACAZX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
ACAZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
ACAZX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

VRGWX

VRGWX Risk / Return Rank: 19
VRGWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
VRGWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
VRGWX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
VRGWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VRGWX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

ACAZX vs. VRGWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alger Capital Appreciation Fund Class Z (ACAZX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX). 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.

	ACAZX	VRGWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	0.98	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	1.42	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.18	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.68	1.01	+0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.29	3.19	+2.09

ACAZX vs. VRGWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ACAZX Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is higher than the VRGWX Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ACAZX and VRGWX, 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

ACAZX vs. VRGWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACAZX drawdown since its inception was -47.92%, which is greater than VRGWX's maximum drawdown of -32.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACAZX and VRGWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACAZX	VRGWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.92%	-32.70%	-15.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.97%	-16.19%	-2.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.72%	-23.44%	-4.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.92%	-32.70%	-15.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.92%	-32.70%	-15.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.60%	-3.61%	+1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.31%	-4.88%	-3.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.03%	5.09%	+0.94%

Volatility

ACAZX vs. VRGWX - Volatility Comparison

Alger Capital Appreciation Fund Class Z (ACAZX) has a higher volatility of 8.95% compared to Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) at 6.52%. This indicates that ACAZX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VRGWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ACAZX	VRGWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.95%	6.52%	+2.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.02%	13.30%	+4.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.79%	16.61%	+6.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.29%	21.82%	+7.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.57%	21.21%	+4.36%

ACAZX vs. VRGWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACAZX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than VRGWX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACAZX vs. VRGWX - Dividend Comparison

ACAZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.80%, more than VRGWX's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACAZX Alger Capital Appreciation Fund Class Z	7.80%	8.83%	23.61%	6.65%	4.13%	22.24%	14.91%	7.87%	11.23%	6.60%	0.82%	8.15%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.46%	0.35%	0.56%	0.71%	0.99%	4.18%	0.77%	1.03%	1.22%	1.22%	1.52%	1.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACAZX and VRGWX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, ACAZX and VRGWX 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, ACAZX or VRGWX?

ACAZX has higher volatility (8.95%) compared to VRGWX (6.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ACAZX dropped -47.92% vs VRGWX's -32.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ACAZX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs 0.98), 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.