ALMAX vs. VSGAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

ALMAX (Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund) and VSGAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, ALMAX returned 9.39%/yr vs 12.02%/yr for VSGAX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ALMAX charges 1.20%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSGAX.

Performance

ALMAX vs. VSGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund (ALMAX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ALMAX achieves a 7.10% return, which is significantly lower than VSGAX's 16.86% return. Over the past 10 years, ALMAX has underperformed VSGAX with an annualized return of 9.39%, while VSGAX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.02% annualized return.

ALMAX

• 1D: -2.23%
• 1M: 4.19%
• YTD: 7.10%
• 6M: 3.82%
• 1Y: 13.11%
• 3Y*: 8.90%
• 5Y*: -4.29%
• 10Y*: 9.39%

VSGAX

• 1D: -1.58%
• 1M: 1.47%
• YTD: 16.86%
• 6M: 13.78%
• 1Y: 28.61%
• 3Y*: 17.58%
• 5Y*: 4.60%
• 10Y*: 12.02%

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

ALMAX vs. VSGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ALMAX Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund	7.10%	0.50%	13.78%	11.22%	-38.11%	5.83%	56.85%	39.17%	-4.10%	21.83%
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	16.86%	8.44%	14.94%	23.04%	-28.39%	5.70%	35.26%	32.76%	-5.69%	21.92%

Correlation

The correlation between ALMAX and VSGAX is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2011	0.93

The correlation between ALMAX and VSGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ALMAX vs. VSGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ALMAX

ALMAX Risk / Return Rank: 9
ALMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
ALMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
ALMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
ALMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
ALMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

VSGAX

VSGAX Risk / Return Rank: 39
VSGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VSGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VSGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VSGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VSGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

ALMAX vs. VSGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund (ALMAX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX). 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.

	ALMAX	VSGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.66	1.50	-0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.10	2.11	-1.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.26	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.71	2.68	-1.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.16	10.03	-7.87

ALMAX vs. VSGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ALMAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.66, which is lower than the VSGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ALMAX and VSGAX, 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

ALMAX vs. VSGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ALMAX drawdown since its inception was -60.51%, which is greater than VSGAX's maximum drawdown of -38.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ALMAX and VSGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ALMAX	VSGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.51%	-38.70%	-21.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.91%	-11.37%	-9.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.61%	-27.47%	-2.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.89%	-38.36%	-15.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.89%	-38.70%	-15.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-30.46%	-1.58%	-28.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.36%	-8.53%	-8.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.84%	3.04%	+3.80%

Volatility

ALMAX vs. VSGAX - Volatility Comparison

Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund (ALMAX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) have volatilities of 7.45% and 7.12%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ALMAX	VSGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.45%	7.12%	+0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.95%	15.88%	+2.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.50%	20.35%	+2.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.30%	23.71%	+5.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.28%	23.05%	+4.23%

ALMAX vs. VSGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ALMAX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VSGAX's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

ALMAX vs. VSGAX - Dividend Comparison

ALMAX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VSGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALMAX Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	24.48%	4.64%	4.00%	9.86%	0.00%	12.44%	55.85%
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.45%	0.54%	0.54%	0.67%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.81%	1.08%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ALMAX and VSGAX in my portfolio?

ALMAX and VSGAX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ALMAX or VSGAX?

ALMAX has higher volatility (7.45%) compared to VSGAX (7.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ALMAX dropped -60.51% vs VSGAX's -38.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 0.66), 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.