GCINX vs. VSGX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GCINX (Green Century MSCI International Index Fund) and VSGX (Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, GCINX returned 3.95%/yr vs 7.81%/yr for VSGX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GCINX charges 1.28%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for VSGX.

Performance

GCINX vs. VSGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Green Century MSCI International Index Fund (GCINX) and Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GCINX achieves a 3.34% return, which is significantly lower than VSGX's 15.83% return.

GCINX

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 3.48%
• YTD: 3.34%
• 6M: 5.49%
• 1Y: 8.25%
• 3Y*: 10.32%
• 5Y*: 3.95%
• 10Y*: —

VSGX

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 6.54%
• YTD: 15.83%
• 6M: 18.55%
• 1Y: 33.27%
• 3Y*: 19.56%
• 5Y*: 7.81%
• 10Y*: —

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

GCINX vs. VSGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
GCINX Green Century MSCI International Index Fund	3.34%	17.54%	4.33%	16.63%	-21.35%	12.53%	12.18%	25.02%	-12.97%
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	15.83%	30.77%	5.72%	15.62%	-18.61%	7.24%	13.01%	23.04%	-12.87%

Correlation

The correlation between GCINX and VSGX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2018	0.94

The correlation between GCINX and VSGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GCINX vs. VSGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GCINX

GCINX Risk / Return Rank: 6
GCINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
GCINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
GCINX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
GCINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
GCINX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

VSGX

VSGX Risk / Return Rank: 57
VSGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VSGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VSGX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VSGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VSGX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

GCINX vs. VSGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Green Century MSCI International Index Fund (GCINX) and Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX). 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.

	GCINX	VSGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.45	2.04	-1.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.74	2.82	-2.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.37	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.57	2.60	-2.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.95	10.13	-8.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GCINX vs. VSGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GCINX Sharpe Ratio is 0.45, which is lower than the VSGX Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GCINX and VSGX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GCINX	VSGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45	2.04	-1.59
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24	0.48	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.51	-0.06

Drawdowns

GCINX vs. VSGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GCINX drawdown since its inception was -34.26%, roughly equal to the maximum VSGX drawdown of -33.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GCINX and VSGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GCINX	VSGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.26%	-33.09%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.22%	-12.84%	+0.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.66%	-13.83%	-1.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.26%	-32.14%	-2.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.83%	-0.94%	-0.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.77%	-7.78%	+0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.56%	3.29%	+0.27%

Volatility

GCINX vs. VSGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Green Century MSCI International Index Fund (GCINX) is 3.94%, while Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) has a volatility of 6.06%. This indicates that GCINX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GCINX	VSGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.94%	6.06%	-2.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.41%	14.12%	-1.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.57%	16.38%	-0.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.44%	16.31%	+0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.47%	18.05%	-1.58%

GCINX vs. VSGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GCINX has a 1.28% expense ratio, which is higher than VSGX's 0.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

GCINX vs. VSGX - Dividend Comparison

GCINX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.87%, more than VSGX's 2.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GCINX Green Century MSCI International Index Fund	3.87%	4.00%	1.53%	1.07%	1.04%	2.94%	0.55%	1.14%	2.21%	1.37%
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	2.85%	3.23%	3.10%	2.77%	2.61%	2.49%	1.67%	2.28%	0.38%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GCINX and VSGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, GCINX and VSGX 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, GCINX or VSGX?

VSGX has higher volatility (6.06%) compared to GCINX (3.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GCINX dropped -34.26% vs VSGX's -33.09%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 0.45), 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.