AWSHX vs. VIG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AWSHX (American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both funds - AWSHX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by American Funds, while VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. AWSHX is actively managed, while VIG is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, AWSHX returned 12.86%/yr vs 13.40%/yr for VIG. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AWSHX charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIG.

Performance

AWSHX vs. VIG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A (AWSHX) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AWSHX achieves a 5.96% return, which is significantly lower than VIG's 7.53% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with AWSHX having a 12.86% annualized return and VIG not far ahead at 13.40%.

AWSHX

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 0.70%
• YTD: 5.96%
• 6M: 5.54%
• 1Y: 17.84%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 12.61%
• 10Y*: 12.86%

VIG

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.99%
• YTD: 7.53%
• 6M: 6.96%
• 1Y: 20.27%
• 3Y*: 16.05%
• 5Y*: 11.07%
• 10Y*: 13.40%

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

AWSHX vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AWSHX American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A	5.96%	17.20%	19.02%	17.21%	-8.45%	28.44%	7.69%	24.86%	-6.16%	20.03%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.53%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%

Correlation

The correlation between AWSHX and VIG 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	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2006	0.95

The correlation between AWSHX and VIG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AWSHX vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank

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

AWSHX

AWSHX Risk / Return Rank: 40
AWSHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
AWSHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
AWSHX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
AWSHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
AWSHX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 61
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

AWSHX vs. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A (AWSHX) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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.

	AWSHX	VIG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	2.01	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.90	-0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.36	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.13	2.57	-0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.17	10.39	-1.22

AWSHX vs. VIG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AWSHX Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the VIG Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AWSHX and VIG, 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

AWSHX vs. VIG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AWSHX drawdown since its inception was -53.95%, which is greater than VIG's maximum drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AWSHX and VIG.

Drawdown Indicators

	AWSHX	VIG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.95%	-46.81%	-7.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.37%	-7.91%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.66%	-14.95%	+0.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.64%	-20.39%	+1.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.65%	-31.72%	-2.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-0.62%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.41%	-5.50%	-0.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	1.96%	-0.02%

Volatility

AWSHX vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison

American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A (AWSHX) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) have volatilities of 2.94% and 2.82%, 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

	AWSHX	VIG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.94%	2.82%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.07%	7.68%	+0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.52%	10.14%	+0.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.11%	14.23%	-0.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.34%	16.07%	+0.27%

AWSHX vs. VIG - Expense Ratio Comparison

AWSHX has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VIG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

AWSHX vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison

AWSHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.77%, more than VIG's 1.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AWSHX American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class A	9.77%	10.08%	10.06%	6.14%	6.31%	6.05%	3.06%	6.19%	4.36%	7.26%	6.37%	6.25%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AWSHX and VIG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AWSHX and VIG 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, AWSHX or VIG?

AWSHX has higher volatility (2.94%) compared to VIG (2.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AWSHX dropped -53.95% vs VIG's -46.81%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.69), 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.