CLSPX vs. VMFGX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CLSPX (Columbia Select Mid Cap 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, CLSPX returned 14.72%/yr vs 12.18%/yr for VMFGX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CLSPX charges 0.86%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VMFGX.

Performance

CLSPX vs. VMFGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (CLSPX) 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

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with CLSPX having a 21.27% return and VMFGX slightly lower at 20.49%. Over the past 10 years, CLSPX has outperformed VMFGX with an annualized return of 14.72%, while VMFGX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.18% annualized return.

CLSPX

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 7.77%
• YTD: 21.27%
• 6M: 18.50%
• 1Y: 28.85%
• 3Y*: 23.39%
• 5Y*: 9.33%
• 10Y*: 14.72%

VMFGX

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: 4.19%
• YTD: 20.49%
• 6M: 17.90%
• 1Y: 31.74%
• 3Y*: 18.43%
• 5Y*: 8.89%
• 10Y*: 12.18%

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

CLSPX vs. VMFGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CLSPX Columbia Select Mid Cap Growth Fund	21.27%	15.16%	23.97%	25.25%	-31.25%	16.39%	35.43%	35.25%	-5.22%	22.86%
VMFGX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	20.49%	7.43%	15.86%	17.42%	-18.99%	18.83%	22.61%	26.20%	-10.39%	19.87%

Correlation

The correlation between CLSPX and VMFGX is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2012	0.89

The correlation between CLSPX and VMFGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CLSPX vs. VMFGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CLSPX

CLSPX Risk / Return Rank: 30
CLSPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
CLSPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
CLSPX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
CLSPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
CLSPX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

VMFGX

VMFGX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VMFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VMFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VMFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VMFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VMFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

CLSPX vs. VMFGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (CLSPX) 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.

	CLSPX	VMFGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	1.89	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	2.68	-0.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.33	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.19	3.32	-1.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.68	13.13	-5.45

CLSPX vs. VMFGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CLSPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is comparable to the VMFGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CLSPX 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

CLSPX vs. VMFGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CLSPX drawdown since its inception was -68.54%, which is greater than VMFGX's maximum drawdown of -39.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CLSPX and VMFGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CLSPX	VMFGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.54%	-39.15%	-29.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.64%	-9.91%	-3.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.36%	-25.45%	-1.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.35%	-29.25%	-14.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.35%	-39.15%	-4.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.22%	-5.69%	-10.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.88%	2.50%	+1.38%

Volatility

CLSPX vs. VMFGX - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Select Mid Cap Growth Fund (CLSPX) has a higher volatility of 7.39% compared to Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFGX) at 5.57%. This indicates that CLSPX'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

	CLSPX	VMFGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.39%	5.57%	+1.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.82%	13.68%	+4.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.12%	17.42%	+4.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.20%	20.69%	+4.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.93%	21.10%	+1.83%

CLSPX vs. VMFGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CLSPX has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is higher than VMFGX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

CLSPX vs. VMFGX - Dividend Comparison

CLSPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.89%, more than VMFGX's 0.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CLSPX Columbia Select Mid Cap Growth Fund	9.89%	11.99%	12.87%	0.00%	0.00%	21.10%	15.38%	8.30%	26.41%	13.16%	6.15%	17.11%
VMFGX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.58%	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 CLSPX and VMFGX in my portfolio?

CLSPX and VMFGX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CLSPX or VMFGX?

CLSPX has higher volatility (7.39%) compared to VMFGX (5.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CLSPX dropped -68.54% vs VMFGX's -39.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMFGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.35), 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.