GFAFX vs. VONG
GFAFX (American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1) and VONG (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. GFAFX is actively managed, while VONG is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GFAFX returned 14.97%/yr vs 17.43%/yr for VONG. Their correlation of 0.94 means they have usually moved in the same direction. GFAFX charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VONG.
Performance
GFAFX vs. VONG - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, GFAFX achieves a 4.36% return, which is significantly higher than VONG's 0.39% return. Over the past 10 years, GFAFX has underperformed VONG with an annualized return of 14.97%, while VONG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.43% annualized return.
GFAFX
- 1D
- 1.91%
- 1M
- -3.25%
- 6M
- 3.73%
- YTD
- 4.36%
- 1Y
- 12.83%
- 3Y*
- 19.60%
- 5Y*
- 10.05%
- 10Y*
- 14.97%
- ALL TIME*
- 10.39%
VONG
- 1D
- 0.84%
- 1M
- -2.27%
- 6M
- 1.82%
- YTD
- 0.39%
- 1Y
- 10.18%
- 3Y*
- 19.33%
- 5Y*
- 11.83%
- 10Y*
- 17.43%
- ALL TIME*
- 16.45%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $121.41M | $148.04M | $174.70M |
GFAFX vs. VONG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GFAFX American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1 | 4.36% | 19.66% | 27.96% | 37.15% | -30.78% | 19.24% | 37.78% | 28.10% | -3.23% | 26.07% |
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF | 0.39% | 18.45% | 33.20% | 42.67% | -29.18% | 27.60% | 38.30% | 36.06% | -1.53% | 30.05% |
Correlation
The correlation between GFAFX and VONG is 0.92, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.92 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.94 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.95 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.95 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010 | 0.94 |
The correlation between GFAFX and VONG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
GFAFX vs. VONG — Risk / Return Rank
GFAFX
VONG
GFAFX vs. VONG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1 (GFAFX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). 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.
| GFAFX | VONG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.18 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.24 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.12 | 1.09 | +0.03 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.79 | 0.50 | +0.30 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.87 | 1.48 | +1.38 |
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Drawdowns
GFAFX vs. VONG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum GFAFX drawdown since its inception was -51.87%, which is greater than VONG's maximum drawdown of -32.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GFAFX and VONG.
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Drawdown Indicators
| GFAFX | VONG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -51.87% | -32.72% | -19.15% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -13.79% | -16.23% | +2.44% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -21.57% | -23.27% | +1.70% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -36.41% | -32.72% | -3.69% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -36.41% | -32.72% | -3.69% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.49% | -7.89% | +2.40% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.58% | -4.89% | -3.69% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.80% | 5.42% | -1.62% |
Volatility
GFAFX vs. VONG - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1 (GFAFX) is 4.82%, while Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) has a volatility of 6.45%. This indicates that GFAFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VONG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| GFAFX | VONG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.82% | 6.45% | -1.63% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.65% | 14.00% | -0.35% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 16.91% | 17.45% | -0.54% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.52% | 21.64% | -1.12% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.76% | 21.01% | -1.25% |
GFAFX vs. VONG - Expense Ratio Comparison
GFAFX has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than VONG's 0.06% expense ratio.
Dividends
GFAFX vs. VONG - Dividend Comparison
GFAFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.30%, more than VONG's 0.48% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GFAFX American Funds Growth Fund of America Class F-1 | 10.30% | 10.75% | 9.01% | 7.41% | 4.02% | 8.16% | 4.28% | 7.14% | 11.96% | 6.98% | 6.60% | 8.86% |
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF | 0.48% | 0.45% | 0.55% | 0.71% | 0.98% | 0.58% | 0.77% | 1.03% | 1.18% | 1.19% | 1.48% | 1.47% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.92, GFAFX and VONG 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.
VONG has higher volatility (6.45%) compared to GFAFX (4.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GFAFX dropped -51.87% vs VONG's -32.72%.
GFAFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.65 vs 0.46), 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.
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