APGZX vs. VRGWX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

APGZX (AB Large Cap Growth 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, APGZX returned 16.42%/yr vs 18.55%/yr for VRGWX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. APGZX charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VRGWX.

Performance

APGZX vs. VRGWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Large Cap Growth Fund Class Z (APGZX) 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, APGZX achieves a 4.76% return, which is significantly lower than VRGWX's 5.06% return. Over the past 10 years, APGZX has underperformed VRGWX with an annualized return of 16.42%, while VRGWX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.55% annualized return.

APGZX

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: 2.43%
• 6M: 2.28%
• YTD: 4.76%
• 1Y: 10.29%
• 3Y*: 18.21%
• 5Y*: 9.42%
• 10Y*: 16.42%

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)

APGZX vs. VRGWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
APGZX AB Large Cap Growth Fund Class Z	4.76%	13.26%	25.47%	35.12%	-28.74%	29.00%	34.47%	34.24%	2.30%	31.81%
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 APGZX and VRGWX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.97

The correlation between APGZX and VRGWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

APGZX vs. VRGWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

APGZX

APGZX Risk / Return Rank: 12
APGZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
APGZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
APGZX Omega Ratio Rank: 12
APGZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
APGZX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

APGZX vs. VRGWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Large Cap Growth Fund Class Z (APGZX) 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.

	APGZX	VRGWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.66	0.98	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	1.42	-0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.18	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.66	1.01	-0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.35	3.19	-0.85

APGZX vs. VRGWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current APGZX Sharpe Ratio is 0.66, which is lower than the VRGWX Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of APGZX 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

APGZX vs. VRGWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum APGZX drawdown since its inception was -33.87%, roughly equal to the maximum VRGWX drawdown of -32.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for APGZX and VRGWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	APGZX	VRGWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.87%	-32.70%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.21%	-16.19%	+0.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.57%	-23.44%	+1.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.87%	-32.70%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.87%	-32.70%	-1.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.56%	-3.61%	+2.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.00%	-4.88%	-1.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.24%	5.09%	-0.85%

Volatility

APGZX vs. VRGWX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AB Large Cap Growth Fund Class Z (APGZX) is 5.54%, while Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) has a volatility of 6.52%. This indicates that APGZX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VRGWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	APGZX	VRGWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.54%	6.52%	-0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.01%	13.30%	-1.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.04%	16.61%	-1.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.28%	21.82%	-1.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.69%	21.21%	-1.52%

APGZX vs. VRGWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

APGZX has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than VRGWX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

APGZX vs. VRGWX - Dividend Comparison

APGZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.32%, more than VRGWX's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
APGZX AB Large Cap Growth Fund Class Z	9.32%	9.77%	6.62%	1.69%	0.87%	7.19%	2.60%	3.49%	9.11%	3.78%	2.72%	0.00%
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 APGZX and VRGWX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, APGZX 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, APGZX or VRGWX?

VRGWX has higher volatility (6.52%) compared to APGZX (5.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, APGZX dropped -33.87% vs VRGWX's -32.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRGWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.98 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.