FICGX vs. VRGWX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

FICGX (Delaware Growth Equity Fund) and VRGWX (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FICGX returned 13.50%/yr vs 18.29%/yr for VRGWX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FICGX charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VRGWX.

Performance

FICGX vs. VRGWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Delaware Growth Equity Fund (FICGX) 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, FICGX achieves a 12.08% return, which is significantly higher than VRGWX's 3.04% return. Over the past 10 years, FICGX has underperformed VRGWX with an annualized return of 13.50%, while VRGWX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.29% annualized return.

FICGX

• 1D: -1.08%
• 1M: 0.65%
• 6M: 9.10%
• YTD: 12.08%
• 1Y: 26.49%
• 3Y*: 21.24%
• 5Y*: 6.57%
• 10Y*: 13.50%

VRGWX

• 1D: -1.93%
• 1M: 0.04%
• 6M: 2.43%
• YTD: 3.04%
• 1Y: 13.95%
• 3Y*: 20.74%
• 5Y*: 13.42%
• 10Y*: 18.29%

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

FICGX vs. VRGWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FICGX Delaware Growth Equity Fund	12.08%	20.49%	23.76%	28.68%	-24.65%	5.54%	28.41%	24.12%	-3.89%	32.19%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.04%	18.32%	33.25%	42.65%	-29.18%	32.42%	38.38%	36.30%	-1.59%	30.11%

Correlation

The correlation between FICGX and VRGWX is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.92

The correlation between FICGX and VRGWX shifts across timeframes, from 0.82 (1 year) to 0.92 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FICGX vs. VRGWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FICGX

FICGX Risk / Return Rank: 71
FICGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
FICGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FICGX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
FICGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
FICGX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

VRGWX

VRGWX Risk / Return Rank: 16
VRGWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
VRGWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
VRGWX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VRGWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
VRGWX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

FICGX vs. VRGWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Delaware Growth Equity Fund (FICGX) 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.

	FICGX	VRGWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	0.86	+0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	1.26	+1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.16	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.84	0.89	+1.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.83	2.80	+9.03

FICGX vs. VRGWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FICGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is higher than the VRGWX Sharpe Ratio of 0.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FICGX 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

FICGX vs. VRGWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FICGX drawdown since its inception was -54.19%, which is greater than VRGWX's maximum drawdown of -32.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FICGX and VRGWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FICGX	VRGWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.19%	-32.70%	-21.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.48%	-16.19%	+6.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.48%	-23.44%	+2.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.73%	-32.70%	-15.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.73%	-32.70%	-15.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.58%	-5.47%	+3.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.18%	-4.88%	-11.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.27%	5.10%	-2.83%

Volatility

FICGX vs. VRGWX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Delaware Growth Equity Fund (FICGX) is 5.60%, while Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) has a volatility of 6.51%. This indicates that FICGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VRGWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FICGX	VRGWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.60%	6.51%	-0.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.37%	13.42%	-1.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.08%	16.76%	-1.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.28%	21.85%	-0.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.62%	21.23%	-0.61%

FICGX vs. VRGWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FICGX has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than VRGWX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FICGX vs. VRGWX - Dividend Comparison

FICGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.39%, more than VRGWX's 0.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FICGX Delaware Growth Equity Fund	3.39%	3.80%	5.28%	2.75%	32.39%	7.63%	9.65%	10.92%	5.77%	9.05%	16.01%	10.46%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.47%	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 FICGX and VRGWX in my portfolio?

FICGX and VRGWX have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FICGX or VRGWX?

VRGWX has higher volatility (6.51%) compared to FICGX (5.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FICGX dropped -54.19% vs VRGWX's -32.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FICGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 0.86), 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.