GFACX vs. SWLGX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GFACX (American Funds The Growth Fund of America Fund Class C) and SWLGX (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth Index Fund) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - GFACX tracks the S&P 500 while SWLGX tracks the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GFACX returned 10.62%/yr vs 13.59%/yr for SWLGX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GFACX charges 1.35%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SWLGX.

Performance

GFACX vs. SWLGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds The Growth Fund of America Fund Class C (GFACX) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth Index Fund (SWLGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GFACX achieves a 8.34% return, which is significantly higher than SWLGX's 3.19% return.

GFACX

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 1.89%
• YTD: 8.34%
• 6M: 7.41%
• 1Y: 21.84%
• 3Y*: 22.99%
• 5Y*: 10.62%
• 10Y*: 15.39%

SWLGX

• 1D: -1.26%
• 1M: -2.48%
• YTD: 3.19%
• 6M: 1.92%
• 1Y: 19.96%
• 3Y*: 22.61%
• 5Y*: 13.59%
• 10Y*: —

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

GFACX vs. SWLGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GFACX American Funds The Growth Fund of America Fund Class C	8.34%	18.80%	27.01%	36.20%	-31.28%	18.41%	36.84%	27.20%	-3.93%	-0.04%
SWLGX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth Index Fund	3.19%	18.55%	33.30%	42.67%	-29.17%	27.55%	38.43%	36.30%	-1.59%	-0.60%

Correlation

The correlation between GFACX and SWLGX is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2017	0.96

The correlation between GFACX and SWLGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GFACX vs. SWLGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GFACX

GFACX Risk / Return Rank: 27
GFACX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
GFACX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
GFACX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
GFACX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
GFACX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

SWLGX

SWLGX Risk / Return Rank: 21
SWLGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
SWLGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
SWLGX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
SWLGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
SWLGX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

GFACX vs. SWLGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds The Growth Fund of America Fund Class C (GFACX) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth Index Fund (SWLGX). 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.

	GFACX	SWLGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	1.32	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	1.83	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.23	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	1.32	+0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.32	4.34	+1.98

GFACX vs. SWLGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GFACX Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is comparable to the SWLGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GFACX and SWLGX, 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

GFACX vs. SWLGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GFACX drawdown since its inception was -52.39%, which is greater than SWLGX's maximum drawdown of -32.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GFACX and SWLGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GFACX	SWLGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.39%	-32.69%	-19.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.90%	-16.16%	+2.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.66%	-23.30%	+1.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.81%	-32.69%	-4.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.81%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.61%	-5.34%	+3.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.14%	-7.04%	-2.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.65%	4.91%	-1.26%

Volatility

GFACX vs. SWLGX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds The Growth Fund of America Fund Class C (GFACX) has a higher volatility of 6.78% compared to Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth Index Fund (SWLGX) at 5.91%. This indicates that GFACX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SWLGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GFACX	SWLGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.78%	5.91%	+0.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.02%	12.60%	+0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.31%	16.21%	+0.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.42%	21.61%	-1.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.78%	22.68%	-2.90%

GFACX vs. SWLGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GFACX has a 1.35% expense ratio, which is higher than SWLGX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

GFACX vs. SWLGX - Dividend Comparison

GFACX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.47%, more than SWLGX's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GFACX American Funds The Growth Fund of America Fund Class C	11.47%	12.43%	10.01%	7.82%	4.22%	9.11%	4.48%	7.03%	12.28%	7.04%	6.43%	8.73%
SWLGX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth Index Fund	0.44%	0.46%	0.52%	0.67%	0.93%	1.76%	0.67%	0.96%	1.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GFACX and SWLGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, GFACX and SWLGX 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, GFACX or SWLGX?

GFACX has higher volatility (6.78%) compared to SWLGX (5.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GFACX dropped -52.39% vs SWLGX's -32.69%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GFACX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.42 vs 1.32), 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.