ALFAX vs. VRTGX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ALFAX (Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund) and VRTGX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ALFAX returned 11.33%/yr vs 12.34%/yr for VRTGX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ALFAX charges 1.40%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VRTGX.

Performance

ALFAX vs. VRTGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund (ALFAX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with ALFAX having a 22.34% return and VRTGX slightly lower at 22.19%. Over the past 10 years, ALFAX has underperformed VRTGX with an annualized return of 11.33%, while VRTGX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.34% annualized return.

ALFAX

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 4.98%
• YTD: 22.34%
• 6M: 19.97%
• 1Y: 35.19%
• 3Y*: 17.23%
• 5Y*: 5.91%
• 10Y*: 11.33%

VRTGX

• 1D: 1.15%
• 1M: 5.93%
• YTD: 22.19%
• 6M: 18.81%
• 1Y: 42.31%
• 3Y*: 19.93%
• 5Y*: 5.90%
• 10Y*: 12.34%

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

ALFAX vs. VRTGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ALFAX Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund	22.34%	8.80%	13.18%	13.92%	-23.50%	15.01%	26.16%	24.95%	-9.72%	20.61%
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	22.19%	12.97%	15.26%	18.80%	-26.30%	2.82%	34.81%	28.84%	-9.21%	22.27%

Correlation

The correlation between ALFAX and VRTGX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.96

The correlation between ALFAX and VRTGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ALFAX vs. VRTGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ALFAX

ALFAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
ALFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ALFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ALFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
ALFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
ALFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

VRTGX

VRTGX Risk / Return Rank: 52
VRTGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VRTGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VRTGX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VRTGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VRTGX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

ALFAX vs. VRTGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund (ALFAX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX). 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.

	ALFAX	VRTGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	1.97	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	2.66	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.32	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.58	2.96	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.63	10.59	+3.04

ALFAX vs. VRTGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ALFAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the VRTGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ALFAX and VRTGX, 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

ALFAX vs. VRTGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ALFAX drawdown since its inception was -57.11%, which is greater than VRTGX's maximum drawdown of -41.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ALFAX and VRTGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ALFAX	VRTGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.11%	-41.97%	-15.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.31%	-14.80%	+4.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.01%	-28.54%	+3.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.88%	-40.48%	+6.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.29%	-41.97%	+1.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.85%	-10.41%	-2.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	4.13%	-1.43%

Volatility

ALFAX vs. VRTGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund (ALFAX) is 6.76%, while Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX) has a volatility of 7.67%. This indicates that ALFAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VRTGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ALFAX	VRTGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.76%	7.67%	-0.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.12%	16.77%	-2.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.81%	22.26%	-4.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.00%	24.71%	-4.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.79%	24.59%	-3.80%

ALFAX vs. VRTGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ALFAX has a 1.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VRTGX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

ALFAX vs. VRTGX - Dividend Comparison

ALFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.34%, more than VRTGX's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALFAX Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund	4.34%	5.30%	0.80%	0.46%	6.94%	5.38%	7.99%	14.66%	16.61%	11.96%	11.85%	15.83%
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.60%	0.57%	0.62%	0.85%	0.78%	0.54%	0.53%	0.90%	0.85%	0.75%	1.07%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ALFAX and VRTGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, ALFAX and VRTGX 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, ALFAX or VRTGX?

VRTGX has higher volatility (7.67%) compared to ALFAX (6.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ALFAX dropped -57.11% vs VRTGX's -41.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALFAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.97), 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.