GWPCX vs. GFFFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GWPCX (American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C) and GFFFX (American Funds The Growth Fund of America) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from American Funds. Over the past 10 years, GWPCX returned 12.55%/yr vs 16.22%/yr for GFFFX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GWPCX charges 1.49%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GFFFX.

Performance

GWPCX vs. GFFFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C (GWPCX) and American Funds The Growth Fund of America (GFFFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GWPCX achieves a 10.95% return, which is significantly higher than GFFFX's 10.19% return. Over the past 10 years, GWPCX has underperformed GFFFX with an annualized return of 12.55%, while GFFFX has yielded a comparatively higher 16.22% annualized return.

GWPCX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 5.55%
• YTD: 10.95%
• 6M: 11.36%
• 1Y: 27.13%
• 3Y*: 21.23%
• 5Y*: 9.83%
• 10Y*: 12.55%

GFFFX

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 6.84%
• YTD: 10.19%
• 6M: 9.81%
• 1Y: 26.45%
• 3Y*: 25.40%
• 5Y*: 12.74%
• 10Y*: 16.22%

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

GWPCX vs. GFFFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GWPCX American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C	10.95%	19.58%	19.26%	27.77%	-27.51%	17.70%	24.46%	26.74%	-7.31%	24.19%
GFFFX American Funds The Growth Fund of America	10.19%	19.96%	28.28%	37.51%	-30.61%	19.55%	38.16%	28.43%	-2.96%	26.38%

Correlation

The correlation between GWPCX and GFFFX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2013	0.97

The correlation between GWPCX and GFFFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GWPCX vs. GFFFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GWPCX

GWPCX Risk / Return Rank: 44
GWPCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
GWPCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
GWPCX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
GWPCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
GWPCX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

GFFFX

GFFFX Risk / Return Rank: 34
GFFFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
GFFFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
GFFFX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GFFFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
GFFFX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

GWPCX vs. GFFFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C (GWPCX) and American Funds The Growth Fund of America (GFFFX). 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.

	GWPCX	GFFFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	1.79	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.45	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.32	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	1.97	+0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.33	7.70	+2.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GWPCX vs. GFFFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GWPCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the GFFFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GWPCX and GFFFX, 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

	GWPCX	GFFFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.96	1.79	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54	0.63	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70	0.83	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.81	-0.10

Drawdowns

GWPCX vs. GFFFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GWPCX drawdown since its inception was -34.59%, roughly equal to the maximum GFFFX drawdown of -36.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GWPCX and GFFFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GWPCX	GFFFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.59%	-36.26%	+1.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.88%	-13.74%	+1.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.49%	-21.55%	+2.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.59%	-36.26%	+1.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.59%	-36.26%	+1.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.32%	+0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.97%	-5.57%	-0.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	3.51%	-0.82%

Volatility

GWPCX vs. GFFFX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C (GWPCX) and American Funds The Growth Fund of America (GFFFX) have volatilities of 3.84% and 3.67%, 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

	GWPCX	GFFFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.84%	3.67%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.21%	11.66%	-0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.23%	15.16%	-0.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.23%	20.25%	-2.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.03%	19.69%	-1.66%

GWPCX vs. GFFFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GWPCX has a 1.49% expense ratio, which is higher than GFFFX's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

GWPCX vs. GFFFX - Dividend Comparison

GWPCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.08%, less than GFFFX's 9.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GFFFX American Funds The Growth Fund of America	9.94%	10.95%	9.23%	7.64%	4.32%	8.42%	4.51%	7.38%	12.29%	7.27%	6.87%	9.13%
GWPCX American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C	5.08%	5.63%	5.59%	0.96%	9.93%	3.48%	3.04%	5.54%	5.45%	2.73%	3.67%	4.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GWPCX and GFFFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, GWPCX and GFFFX 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, GWPCX or GFFFX?

GWPCX has higher volatility (3.84%) compared to GFFFX (3.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GWPCX dropped -34.59% vs GFFFX's -36.26%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GWPCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.79), 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.