CHCLX vs. VMFGX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CHCLX (AB Discovery Growth Fund) and VMFGX (Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, CHCLX returned 13.69%/yr vs 11.85%/yr for VMFGX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CHCLX charges 0.91%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VMFGX.

Performance

CHCLX vs. VMFGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Discovery Growth Fund (CHCLX) and Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CHCLX achieves a 18.21% return, which is significantly lower than VMFGX's 19.74% return. Over the past 10 years, CHCLX has outperformed VMFGX with an annualized return of 13.69%, while VMFGX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.85% annualized return.

CHCLX

• 1D: 2.38%
• 1M: 3.66%
• YTD: 18.21%
• 6M: 14.35%
• 1Y: 32.04%
• 3Y*: 16.45%
• 5Y*: 4.17%
• 10Y*: 13.69%

VMFGX

• 1D: 1.36%
• 1M: 3.54%
• YTD: 19.74%
• 6M: 16.89%
• 1Y: 31.93%
• 3Y*: 17.38%
• 5Y*: 9.27%
• 10Y*: 11.85%

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

CHCLX vs. VMFGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CHCLX AB Discovery Growth Fund	18.21%	6.67%	17.37%	18.72%	-36.11%	11.63%	52.90%	39.99%	-4.56%	32.58%
VMFGX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	19.74%	7.43%	15.86%	17.42%	-18.99%	18.83%	22.61%	26.20%	-10.39%	19.87%

Correlation

The correlation between CHCLX and VMFGX is 0.90, 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	0.90
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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2012	0.92

The correlation between CHCLX and VMFGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CHCLX vs. VMFGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CHCLX

CHCLX Risk / Return Rank: 28
CHCLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
CHCLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
CHCLX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
CHCLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
CHCLX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

VMFGX

VMFGX Risk / Return Rank: 56
VMFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
VMFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VMFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VMFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VMFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

CHCLX vs. VMFGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Discovery Growth Fund (CHCLX) and Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFGX). 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.

	CHCLX	VMFGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.36	1.84	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	2.61	-0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.32	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	3.23	-1.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.54	12.76	-5.22

CHCLX vs. VMFGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CHCLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.36, which is comparable to the VMFGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CHCLX and VMFGX, 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

CHCLX vs. VMFGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CHCLX drawdown since its inception was -63.85%, which is greater than VMFGX's maximum drawdown of -39.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CHCLX and VMFGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CHCLX	VMFGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.85%	-39.15%	-24.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.70%	-9.91%	-5.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.36%	-25.45%	-4.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.63%	-29.25%	-15.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.63%	-39.15%	-5.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.13%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.17%	-5.69%	-8.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.23%	2.50%	+1.73%

Volatility

CHCLX vs. VMFGX - Volatility Comparison

AB Discovery Growth Fund (CHCLX) has a higher volatility of 8.43% compared to Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFGX) at 5.83%. This indicates that CHCLX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VMFGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CHCLX	VMFGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.43%	5.83%	+2.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.17%	13.71%	+5.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.49%	17.38%	+6.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.91%	20.70%	+5.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.06%	21.10%	+3.96%

CHCLX vs. VMFGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CHCLX has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is higher than VMFGX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

CHCLX vs. VMFGX - Dividend Comparison

CHCLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.81%, more than VMFGX's 0.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CHCLX AB Discovery Growth Fund	9.81%	11.60%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	17.54%	15.15%	13.36%	20.33%	6.74%	0.00%	6.08%
VMFGX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.59%	0.70%	0.84%	1.21%	1.12%	0.53%	0.79%	1.22%	1.18%	0.93%	1.14%	1.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CHCLX and VMFGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, CHCLX and VMFGX 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, CHCLX or VMFGX?

CHCLX has higher volatility (8.43%) compared to VMFGX (5.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CHCLX dropped -63.85% vs VMFGX's -39.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMFGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.36), 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.