GWPFX vs. VGPMX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GWPFX (American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6) and VGPMX (Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund) are both Global Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, GWPFX returned 13.34%/yr vs 11.53%/yr for VGPMX. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GWPFX charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.36%/yr for VGPMX.

Performance

GWPFX vs. VGPMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6 (GWPFX) and Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund (VGPMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GWPFX achieves a 11.29% return, which is significantly lower than VGPMX's 21.14% return. Over the past 10 years, GWPFX has outperformed VGPMX with an annualized return of 13.34%, while VGPMX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.53% annualized return.

GWPFX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 5.60%
• YTD: 11.29%
• 6M: 11.76%
• 1Y: 28.07%
• 3Y*: 22.12%
• 5Y*: 10.64%
• 10Y*: 13.34%

VGPMX

• 1D: 1.33%
• 1M: 6.96%
• YTD: 21.14%
• 6M: 25.95%
• 1Y: 66.86%
• 3Y*: 31.54%
• 5Y*: 20.51%
• 10Y*: 11.53%

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

GWPFX vs. VGPMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GWPFX American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6	11.29%	20.46%	20.08%	28.78%	-26.99%	18.56%	25.39%	27.19%	-6.61%	25.09%
VGPMX Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund	21.14%	65.96%	5.78%	10.06%	7.34%	19.50%	17.21%	20.67%	-32.26%	13.75%

Correlation

The correlation between GWPFX and VGPMX is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2013	0.54

The correlation between GWPFX and VGPMX shifts across timeframes, from 0.54 (all time) to 0.69 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GWPFX vs. VGPMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GWPFX

GWPFX Risk / Return Rank: 46
GWPFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
GWPFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
GWPFX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
GWPFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
GWPFX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

VGPMX

VGPMX Risk / Return Rank: 95
VGPMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
VGPMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
VGPMX Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VGPMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VGPMX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

GWPFX vs. VGPMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6 (GWPFX) and Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund (VGPMX). 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.

	GWPFX	VGPMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	4.02	-2.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	4.82	-2.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.69	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	5.25	-2.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.80	21.90	-11.10
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GWPFX vs. VGPMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GWPFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is lower than the VGPMX Sharpe Ratio of 4.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GWPFX and VGPMX, 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

	GWPFX	VGPMX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.02	4.02	-2.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59	1.19	-0.60
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32	0.55	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.26	+0.08

Drawdowns

GWPFX vs. VGPMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GWPFX drawdown since its inception was -52.51%, smaller than the maximum VGPMX drawdown of -78.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GWPFX and VGPMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GWPFX	VGPMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.51%	-78.85%	+26.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.78%	-12.80%	+1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.40%	-14.63%	-4.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.15%	-22.71%	-11.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.51%	-54.59%	+2.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.74%	-34.55%	+28.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	3.06%	-0.40%

Volatility

GWPFX vs. VGPMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6 (GWPFX) is 3.82%, while Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund (VGPMX) has a volatility of 5.98%. This indicates that GWPFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGPMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GWPFX	VGPMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.82%	5.98%	-2.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.24%	13.83%	-2.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.25%	16.76%	-2.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.23%	17.38%	+0.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	41.64%	20.87%	+20.77%

GWPFX vs. VGPMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GWPFX has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than VGPMX's 0.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

GWPFX vs. VGPMX - Dividend Comparison

GWPFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.17%, more than VGPMX's 3.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GWPFX American Funds Global Growth Fund Class R-6	5.17%	5.75%	5.81%	1.60%	9.84%	3.39%	3.41%	5.77%	6.18%	3.35%	4.30%	4.75%
VGPMX Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund	3.22%	2.59%	2.68%	3.22%	3.27%	3.26%	2.03%	2.39%	3.02%	0.02%	1.72%	2.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GWPFX and VGPMX in my portfolio?

GWPFX and VGPMX have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GWPFX or VGPMX?

VGPMX has higher volatility (5.98%) compared to GWPFX (3.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GWPFX dropped -52.51% vs VGPMX's -78.85%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGPMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.02 vs 2.02), 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.