LCSSX vs. VMFGX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

LCSSX (ClearBridge Select Fund) and VMFGX (Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, LCSSX returned 17.23%/yr vs 12.18%/yr for VMFGX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. LCSSX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VMFGX.

Performance

LCSSX vs. VMFGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ClearBridge Select Fund (LCSSX) and Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LCSSX achieves a 3.42% return, which is significantly lower than VMFGX's 20.49% return. Over the past 10 years, LCSSX has outperformed VMFGX with an annualized return of 17.23%, while VMFGX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.18% annualized return.

LCSSX

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 2.21%
• YTD: 3.42%
• 6M: 1.97%
• 1Y: 12.39%
• 3Y*: 13.92%
• 5Y*: 2.81%
• 10Y*: 17.23%

VMFGX

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: 4.19%
• YTD: 20.49%
• 6M: 17.90%
• 1Y: 31.74%
• 3Y*: 18.43%
• 5Y*: 8.89%
• 10Y*: 12.18%

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

LCSSX vs. VMFGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LCSSX ClearBridge Select Fund	3.42%	7.26%	21.54%	24.25%	-33.06%	20.27%	58.86%	33.60%	10.56%	39.04%
VMFGX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	20.49%	7.43%	15.86%	17.42%	-18.99%	18.83%	22.61%	26.20%	-10.39%	19.87%

Correlation

The correlation between LCSSX and VMFGX is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2012	0.87

The correlation between LCSSX and VMFGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

LCSSX vs. VMFGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LCSSX

LCSSX Risk / Return Rank: 11
LCSSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
LCSSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
LCSSX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
LCSSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
LCSSX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

VMFGX

VMFGX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VMFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VMFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VMFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VMFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VMFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

LCSSX vs. VMFGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ClearBridge Select Fund (LCSSX) and Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFGX). 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.

	LCSSX	VMFGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.88	1.89	-1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.28	2.68	-1.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.33	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.94	3.32	-2.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.88	13.13	-10.25

LCSSX vs. VMFGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LCSSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.88, which is lower than the VMFGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LCSSX and VMFGX, 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

LCSSX vs. VMFGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LCSSX drawdown since its inception was -43.46%, which is greater than VMFGX's maximum drawdown of -39.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LCSSX and VMFGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LCSSX	VMFGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.46%	-39.15%	-4.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.24%	-9.91%	-4.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.67%	-25.45%	+1.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.46%	-29.25%	-14.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.46%	-39.15%	-4.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.14%	0.00%	-2.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.17%	-5.69%	-3.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.63%	2.50%	+2.13%

Volatility

LCSSX vs. VMFGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ClearBridge Select Fund (LCSSX) is 4.97%, while Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMFGX) has a volatility of 5.57%. This indicates that LCSSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VMFGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LCSSX	VMFGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.97%	5.57%	-0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.90%	13.68%	-1.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.17%	17.42%	-2.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.82%	20.69%	+1.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.93%	21.10%	+0.83%

LCSSX vs. VMFGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

LCSSX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than VMFGX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

LCSSX vs. VMFGX - Dividend Comparison

LCSSX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VMFGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LCSSX ClearBridge Select Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.01%	3.26%	0.00%	0.00%	1.28%	2.11%	1.12%	5.25%
VMFGX Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.58%	0.70%	0.84%	1.21%	1.12%	0.53%	0.79%	1.22%	1.18%	0.93%	1.14%	1.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LCSSX and VMFGX in my portfolio?

LCSSX and VMFGX have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LCSSX or VMFGX?

VMFGX has higher volatility (5.57%) compared to LCSSX (4.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LCSSX dropped -43.46% vs VMFGX's -39.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMFGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 0.88), 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.