GWPCX vs. MDFGX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GWPCX (American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C) and MDFGX (BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, GWPCX returned 12.55%/yr vs 17.19%/yr for MDFGX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GWPCX charges 1.49%/yr vs 0.97%/yr for MDFGX.

Performance

GWPCX vs. MDFGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C (GWPCX) and BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund (MDFGX). 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 lower than MDFGX's 15.58% return. Over the past 10 years, GWPCX has underperformed MDFGX with an annualized return of 12.55%, while MDFGX has yielded a comparatively higher 17.19% 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%

MDFGX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 8.97%
• YTD: 15.58%
• 6M: 14.91%
• 1Y: 28.44%
• 3Y*: 25.84%
• 5Y*: 12.67%
• 10Y*: 17.19%

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

GWPCX vs. MDFGX - 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%
MDFGX BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund	15.58%	12.63%	31.58%	48.77%	-37.83%	20.78%	40.16%	31.89%	1.81%	32.37%

Correlation

The correlation between GWPCX and MDFGX is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2013	0.91

The correlation between GWPCX and MDFGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GWPCX vs. MDFGX — 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

MDFGX

MDFGX Risk / Return Rank: 28
MDFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
MDFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
MDFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
MDFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
MDFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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. MDFGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C (GWPCX) and BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund (MDFGX). 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	MDFGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	1.69	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.27	+0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.29	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	1.74	+0.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.33	5.94	+4.39
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. MDFGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GWPCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the MDFGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GWPCX and MDFGX, 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	MDFGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.96	1.69	+0.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54	0.54	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70	0.77	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.45	+0.25

Drawdowns

GWPCX vs. MDFGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GWPCX drawdown since its inception was -34.59%, smaller than the maximum MDFGX drawdown of -47.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GWPCX and MDFGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GWPCX	MDFGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.59%	-47.99%	+13.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.88%	-16.74%	+4.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.49%	-24.43%	+4.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.59%	-42.49%	+7.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.59%	-42.49%	+7.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.05%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.97%	-11.22%	+5.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	4.91%	-2.22%

Volatility

GWPCX vs. MDFGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C (GWPCX) is 3.84%, while BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund (MDFGX) has a volatility of 4.05%. This indicates that GWPCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MDFGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GWPCX	MDFGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.84%	4.05%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.21%	13.44%	-2.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.23%	17.33%	-3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.23%	23.45%	-5.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.03%	22.52%	-4.49%

GWPCX vs. MDFGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GWPCX has a 1.49% expense ratio, which is higher than MDFGX's 0.97% expense ratio.

Dividends

GWPCX vs. MDFGX - Dividend Comparison

GWPCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.08%, less than MDFGX's 16.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
MDFGX BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund	16.88%	19.51%	12.73%	3.59%	9.46%	12.95%	5.46%	10.67%	14.31%	12.51%	4.01%	11.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GWPCX and MDFGX in my portfolio?

GWPCX and MDFGX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GWPCX or MDFGX?

MDFGX has higher volatility (4.05%) compared to GWPCX (3.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GWPCX dropped -34.59% vs MDFGX's -47.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GWPCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.69), 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.