BGFIX vs. VRGWX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

BGFIX (William Blair Growth Fund) and VRGWX (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - BGFIX tracks the Russell 3000® Growth Index while VRGWX tracks the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BGFIX returned 14.93%/yr vs 18.55%/yr for VRGWX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BGFIX charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VRGWX.

Performance

BGFIX vs. VRGWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in William Blair Growth Fund (BGFIX) 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, BGFIX achieves a 7.51% return, which is significantly higher than VRGWX's 5.06% return. Over the past 10 years, BGFIX has underperformed VRGWX with an annualized return of 14.93%, while VRGWX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.55% annualized return.

BGFIX

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: 2.00%
• 6M: 5.58%
• YTD: 7.51%
• 1Y: 14.42%
• 3Y*: 17.00%
• 5Y*: 8.42%
• 10Y*: 14.93%

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)

BGFIX vs. VRGWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BGFIX William Blair Growth Fund	7.51%	10.83%	22.26%	38.13%	-29.60%	22.24%	36.48%	32.43%	5.25%	24.53%
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 BGFIX and VRGWX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.95

The correlation between BGFIX and VRGWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BGFIX vs. VRGWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BGFIX

BGFIX Risk / Return Rank: 13
BGFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
BGFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
BGFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
BGFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
BGFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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.

BGFIX vs. VRGWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for William Blair Growth Fund (BGFIX) 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.

	BGFIX	VRGWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.77	0.98	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.15	1.42	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.18	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.69	1.01	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.94	3.19	-1.26

BGFIX vs. VRGWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BGFIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.77, which is comparable to the VRGWX Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BGFIX 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

BGFIX vs. VRGWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BGFIX drawdown since its inception was -53.45%, which is greater than VRGWX's maximum drawdown of -32.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BGFIX and VRGWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BGFIX	VRGWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.45%	-32.70%	-20.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.83%	-16.19%	-3.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.34%	-23.44%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.70%	-32.70%	-4.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.70%	-32.70%	-4.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.98%	-3.61%	+0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.37%	-4.88%	-8.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.07%	5.09%	+1.98%

Volatility

BGFIX vs. VRGWX - Volatility Comparison

William Blair Growth Fund (BGFIX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) have volatilities of 6.30% and 6.52%, 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

	BGFIX	VRGWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.30%	6.52%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.20%	13.30%	+0.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.86%	16.61%	+1.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.72%	21.82%	-0.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.61%	21.21%	-0.60%

BGFIX vs. VRGWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BGFIX has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than VRGWX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

BGFIX vs. VRGWX - Dividend Comparison

BGFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 25.09%, more than VRGWX's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BGFIX William Blair Growth Fund	25.09%	26.97%	24.13%	9.67%	3.60%	11.74%	12.31%	8.62%	33.23%	34.05%	8.35%	12.91%
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 BGFIX and VRGWX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, BGFIX 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, BGFIX or VRGWX?

VRGWX has higher volatility (6.52%) compared to BGFIX (6.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BGFIX dropped -53.45% vs VRGWX's -32.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRGWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.98 vs 0.77), 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.