GSAHX vs. VRTGX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GSAHX (Goldman Sachs Small Cap Growth Fund) and VRTGX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, GSAHX returned 8.08%/yr vs 5.90%/yr for VRTGX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GSAHX charges 1.03%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VRTGX.

Performance

GSAHX vs. VRTGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Small Cap Growth Fund (GSAHX) 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, GSAHX achieves a 28.41% return, which is significantly higher than VRTGX's 22.19% return.

GSAHX

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: 8.25%
• YTD: 28.41%
• 6M: 24.93%
• 1Y: 41.32%
• 3Y*: 22.73%
• 5Y*: 8.08%
• 10Y*: —

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)

GSAHX vs. VRTGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
GSAHX Goldman Sachs Small Cap Growth Fund	28.41%	9.13%	21.65%	18.80%	-28.78%	8.38%	54.70%	7.21%
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	22.19%	12.97%	15.26%	18.80%	-26.30%	2.82%	34.81%	7.71%

Correlation

The correlation between GSAHX and VRTGX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2019	0.97

The correlation between GSAHX and VRTGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GSAHX vs. VRTGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSAHX

GSAHX Risk / Return Rank: 66
GSAHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
GSAHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
GSAHX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
GSAHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
GSAHX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

GSAHX vs. VRTGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Small Cap Growth Fund (GSAHX) 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.

	GSAHX	VRTGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	1.97	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.66	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.32	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.23	2.96	+1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.11	10.59	+5.53

GSAHX vs. VRTGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSAHX Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is comparable to the VRTGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSAHX 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

GSAHX vs. VRTGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSAHX drawdown since its inception was -41.67%, roughly equal to the maximum VRTGX drawdown of -41.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSAHX and VRTGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSAHX	VRTGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.67%	-41.97%	+0.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.29%	-14.80%	+4.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.04%	-28.54%	+1.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.67%	-40.48%	-1.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.24%	-10.41%	-3.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	4.13%	-1.44%

Volatility

GSAHX vs. VRTGX - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs Small Cap Growth Fund (GSAHX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX) have volatilities of 7.51% and 7.67%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSAHX	VRTGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.51%	7.67%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.97%	16.77%	+0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.62%	22.26%	-0.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.77%	24.71%	+0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.98%	24.59%	+2.39%

GSAHX vs. VRTGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSAHX has a 1.03% expense ratio, which is higher than VRTGX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

GSAHX vs. VRTGX - Dividend Comparison

GSAHX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VRTGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.60%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSAHX Goldman Sachs Small Cap Growth Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	10.59%	7.28%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 GSAHX and VRTGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, GSAHX 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, GSAHX or VRTGX?

VRTGX has higher volatility (7.67%) compared to GSAHX (7.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSAHX dropped -41.67% vs VRTGX's -41.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GSAHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 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.