LMGAX vs. VO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

LMGAX (Lord Abbett Growth Opportunities Fund) and VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) are both funds - LMGAX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Lord Abbett, while VO is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mid Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, LMGAX returned 12.89%/yr vs 11.93%/yr for VO. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. LMGAX charges 1.06%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VO.

Performance

LMGAX vs. VO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Lord Abbett Growth Opportunities Fund (LMGAX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LMGAX achieves a 21.30% return, which is significantly higher than VO's 10.36% return. Over the past 10 years, LMGAX has outperformed VO with an annualized return of 12.89%, while VO has yielded a comparatively lower 11.93% annualized return.

LMGAX

• 1D: 1.38%
• 1M: 7.23%
• YTD: 21.30%
• 6M: 18.59%
• 1Y: 30.14%
• 3Y*: 22.73%
• 5Y*: 6.43%
• 10Y*: 12.89%

VO

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 10.36%
• 6M: 9.10%
• 1Y: 17.71%
• 3Y*: 16.26%
• 5Y*: 7.72%
• 10Y*: 11.93%

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

LMGAX vs. VO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LMGAX Lord Abbett Growth Opportunities Fund	21.30%	13.38%	30.74%	10.80%	-32.59%	6.76%	40.17%	36.75%	-3.35%	22.94%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	10.36%	11.62%	15.31%	16.03%	-18.73%	24.70%	18.10%	30.98%	-9.24%	19.28%

Correlation

The correlation between LMGAX and VO is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.91

The correlation between LMGAX and VO shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.91 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

LMGAX vs. VO — Risk / Return Rank

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

LMGAX

LMGAX Risk / Return Rank: 25
LMGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
LMGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
LMGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
LMGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
LMGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

VO

VO Risk / Return Rank: 43
VO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VO Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VO Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VO Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VO Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

LMGAX vs. VO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Lord Abbett Growth Opportunities Fund (LMGAX) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). 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.

	LMGAX	VO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	1.39	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.00	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.24	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	2.18	-0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.62	8.21	-2.58

LMGAX vs. VO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LMGAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is comparable to the VO Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LMGAX and VO, 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

LMGAX vs. VO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LMGAX drawdown since its inception was -49.96%, smaller than the maximum VO drawdown of -58.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LMGAX and VO.

Drawdown Indicators

	LMGAX	VO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.96%	-58.87%	+8.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.99%	-8.17%	-7.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.19%	-19.02%	-12.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.72%	-27.57%	-15.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.72%	-39.37%	-3.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.29%	+1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.77%	-7.85%	-4.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.58%	2.16%	+3.42%

Volatility

LMGAX vs. VO - Volatility Comparison

Lord Abbett Growth Opportunities Fund (LMGAX) has a higher volatility of 8.92% compared to Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) at 4.46%. This indicates that LMGAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LMGAX	VO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.92%	4.46%	+4.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.50%	9.84%	+9.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.66%	12.81%	+11.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.16%	17.66%	+8.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.85%	18.93%	+4.92%

LMGAX vs. VO - Expense Ratio Comparison

LMGAX has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is higher than VO's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

LMGAX vs. VO - Dividend Comparison

LMGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.25%, more than VO's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LMGAX Lord Abbett Growth Opportunities Fund	6.25%	7.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	18.94%	15.52%	5.62%	6.14%	9.04%	3.22%	13.75%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	1.36%	1.52%	1.49%	1.52%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LMGAX and VO in my portfolio?

LMGAX and VO have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LMGAX or VO?

LMGAX has higher volatility (8.92%) compared to VO (4.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LMGAX dropped -49.96% vs VO's -58.87%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 1.28), 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.