INSAX vs. VRGWX

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

INSAX (Catalyst Insider Buying Fund) and VRGWX (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, INSAX returned 7.38%/yr vs 18.45%/yr for VRGWX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. INSAX charges 1.53%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VRGWX.

Performance

INSAX vs. VRGWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Catalyst Insider Buying Fund (INSAX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, INSAX achieves a 15.62% return, which is significantly higher than VRGWX's 4.45% return. Over the past 10 years, INSAX has underperformed VRGWX with an annualized return of 7.38%, while VRGWX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.45% annualized return.

INSAX

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: -2.45%
• 6M: 12.13%
• YTD: 15.62%
• 1Y: 20.30%
• 3Y*: 23.33%
• 5Y*: 3.49%
• 10Y*: 7.38%

VRGWX

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: -0.87%
• 6M: 5.18%
• YTD: 4.45%
• 1Y: 15.22%
• 3Y*: 21.29%
• 5Y*: 13.86%
• 10Y*: 18.45%

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

INSAX vs. VRGWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
INSAX Catalyst Insider Buying Fund	15.62%	15.39%	23.86%	31.44%	-32.65%	-17.65%	14.36%	23.91%	-2.91%	17.03%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.45%	18.32%	33.25%	42.65%	-29.18%	32.42%	38.38%	36.30%	-1.59%	30.11%

Correlation

The correlation between INSAX and VRGWX is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2012	0.79

The correlation between INSAX and VRGWX shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (1 year) to 0.79 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

INSAX vs. VRGWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

INSAX

INSAX Risk / Return Rank: 12
INSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
INSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
INSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
INSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
INSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

VRGWX

VRGWX Risk / Return Rank: 18
VRGWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VRGWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
VRGWX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
VRGWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VRGWX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

INSAX vs. VRGWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Catalyst Insider Buying Fund (INSAX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX). 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.

	INSAX	VRGWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.65	0.93	-0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.12	1.35	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.17	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.79	0.96	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.94	3.04	-1.10

INSAX vs. VRGWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current INSAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.65, which is comparable to the VRGWX Sharpe Ratio of 0.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of INSAX and VRGWX, 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

INSAX vs. VRGWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum INSAX drawdown since its inception was -59.24%, which is greater than VRGWX's maximum drawdown of -32.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for INSAX and VRGWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	INSAX	VRGWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.24%	-32.70%	-26.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.44%	-16.19%	-7.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.44%	-23.44%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-57.26%	-32.70%	-24.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.24%	-32.70%	-26.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.45%	-4.17%	+1.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.75%	-4.88%	-8.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.48%	5.11%	+4.37%

Volatility

INSAX vs. VRGWX - Volatility Comparison

Catalyst Insider Buying Fund (INSAX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) have volatilities of 6.35% and 6.45%, 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

	INSAX	VRGWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.35%	6.45%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.44%	13.48%	+9.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.30%	16.78%	+11.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.01%	21.86%	+8.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.27%	21.24%	+5.03%

INSAX vs. VRGWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

INSAX has a 1.53% expense ratio, which is higher than VRGWX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

INSAX vs. VRGWX - Dividend Comparison

INSAX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VRGWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.47%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
INSAX Catalyst Insider Buying Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.47%	0.35%	0.56%	0.71%	0.99%	4.18%	0.77%	1.03%	1.22%	1.22%	1.52%	1.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both INSAX and VRGWX in my portfolio?

INSAX and VRGWX have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, INSAX or VRGWX?

VRGWX has higher volatility (6.45%) compared to INSAX (6.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, INSAX dropped -59.24% vs VRGWX's -32.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRGWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.93 vs 0.65), 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.