GWPAX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GWPAX (American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both funds - GWPAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by American Funds, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, GWPAX returned 13.36%/yr vs 18.26%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GWPAX charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

GWPAX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A (GWPAX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GWPAX achieves a 11.30% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return. Over the past 10 years, GWPAX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 13.36%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.26% annualized return.

GWPAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 5.60%
• YTD: 11.30%
• 6M: 11.76%
• 1Y: 28.12%
• 3Y*: 22.16%
• 5Y*: 10.65%
• 10Y*: 13.36%

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

GWPAX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GWPAX American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A	11.30%	20.47%	20.17%	28.76%	-26.97%	18.59%	25.34%	27.19%	-6.59%	25.12%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between GWPAX and VUG is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2013	0.93

The correlation between GWPAX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GWPAX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GWPAX

GWPAX Risk / Return Rank: 46
GWPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
GWPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
GWPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
GWPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
GWPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

GWPAX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A (GWPAX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	GWPAX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	1.77	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.40	+0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.31	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	1.69	+0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.81	5.92	+4.88
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GWPAX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GWPAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GWPAX and VUG, 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

	GWPAX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.03	1.77	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59	0.68	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74	0.85	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.62	+0.14

Drawdowns

GWPAX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GWPAX drawdown since its inception was -34.15%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GWPAX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GWPAX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.15%	-50.68%	+16.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.78%	-16.53%	+4.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.42%	-22.85%	+3.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.15%	-35.61%	+1.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.15%	-35.61%	+1.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.51%	+1.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.72%	-7.09%	+1.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	4.71%	-2.05%

Volatility

GWPAX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A (GWPAX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 3.81% and 3.83%, 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

	GWPAX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.81%	3.83%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.24%	12.11%	-0.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.25%	15.84%	-1.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.24%	22.22%	-3.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.02%	21.44%	-3.42%

GWPAX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GWPAX has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

GWPAX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

GWPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.17%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GWPAX American Funds Growth Portfolio Class A	5.17%	5.75%	5.83%	1.61%	9.94%	3.42%	3.42%	5.77%	6.19%	3.39%	4.36%	4.84%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GWPAX and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, GWPAX and VUG 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, GWPAX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to GWPAX (3.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GWPAX dropped -34.15% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GWPAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.77), 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.