DMCRX vs. VRTGX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DMCRX (Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund) and VRTGX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, DMCRX returned 23.16%/yr vs 12.34%/yr for VRTGX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DMCRX charges 1.38%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VRTGX.

Performance

DMCRX vs. VRTGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund (DMCRX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DMCRX achieves a 29.20% return, which is significantly higher than VRTGX's 22.19% return. Over the past 10 years, DMCRX has outperformed VRTGX with an annualized return of 23.16%, while VRTGX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.34% annualized return.

DMCRX

• 1D: 1.67%
• 1M: 5.02%
• YTD: 29.20%
• 6M: 25.97%
• 1Y: 81.98%
• 3Y*: 31.47%
• 5Y*: 10.91%
• 10Y*: 23.16%

VRTGX

• 1D: 1.15%
• 1M: 5.93%
• YTD: 22.19%
• 6M: 18.81%
• 1Y: 42.31%
• 3Y*: 19.93%
• 5Y*: 5.90%
• 10Y*: 12.34%

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

DMCRX vs. VRTGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DMCRX Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund	29.20%	31.17%	30.58%	11.47%	-33.54%	22.23%	86.43%	34.03%	2.52%	24.35%
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	22.19%	12.97%	15.26%	18.80%	-26.30%	2.82%	34.81%	28.84%	-9.21%	22.27%

Correlation

The correlation between DMCRX and VRTGX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2013	0.93

The correlation between DMCRX and VRTGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DMCRX vs. VRTGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DMCRX

DMCRX Risk / Return Rank: 85
DMCRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
DMCRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
DMCRX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DMCRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
DMCRX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

VRTGX

VRTGX Risk / Return Rank: 52
VRTGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VRTGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VRTGX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VRTGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VRTGX Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

DMCRX vs. VRTGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund (DMCRX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX). 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.

	DMCRX	VRTGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.84	1.97	+0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	2.66	+0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.32	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.44	2.96	+2.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.89	10.59	+8.30

DMCRX vs. VRTGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DMCRX Sharpe Ratio is 2.84, which is higher than the VRTGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DMCRX and VRTGX, 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

DMCRX vs. VRTGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DMCRX drawdown since its inception was -46.68%, which is greater than VRTGX's maximum drawdown of -41.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DMCRX and VRTGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DMCRX	VRTGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.68%	-41.97%	-4.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.46%	-14.80%	-0.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.92%	-28.54%	-6.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.68%	-40.48%	-6.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.68%	-41.97%	-4.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.80%	-10.41%	-4.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.44%	4.13%	+0.31%

Volatility

DMCRX vs. VRTGX - Volatility Comparison

Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund (DMCRX) has a higher volatility of 10.43% compared to Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX) at 7.67%. This indicates that DMCRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VRTGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DMCRX	VRTGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.43%	7.67%	+2.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.58%	16.77%	+5.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.71%	22.26%	+7.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.65%	24.71%	+3.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.05%	24.59%	+3.46%

DMCRX vs. VRTGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DMCRX has a 1.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VRTGX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

DMCRX vs. VRTGX - Dividend Comparison

DMCRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.62%, more than VRTGX's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DMCRX Driehaus Micro Cap Growth Fund	10.62%	13.72%	3.86%	0.87%	8.20%	48.23%	19.79%	14.70%	33.22%	8.91%	0.00%	4.20%
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.60%	0.57%	0.62%	0.85%	0.78%	0.54%	0.53%	0.90%	0.85%	0.75%	1.07%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DMCRX and VRTGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DMCRX and VRTGX 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, DMCRX or VRTGX?

DMCRX has higher volatility (10.43%) compared to VRTGX (7.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DMCRX dropped -46.68% vs VRTGX's -41.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DMCRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.84 vs 1.97), 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.