MDFGX vs. GWPCX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MDFGX (BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund) and GWPCX (American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MDFGX returned 17.20%/yr vs 12.99%/yr for GWPCX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MDFGX charges 0.97%/yr vs 1.49%/yr for GWPCX.

Performance

MDFGX vs. GWPCX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund (MDFGX) and American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C (GWPCX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with MDFGX having a 10.66% return and GWPCX slightly higher at 10.69%. Over the past 10 years, MDFGX has outperformed GWPCX with an annualized return of 17.20%, while GWPCX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.99% annualized return.

MDFGX

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 10.66%
• 6M: 9.16%
• 1Y: 21.84%
• 3Y*: 23.22%
• 5Y*: 10.35%
• 10Y*: 17.20%

GWPCX

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 2.48%
• YTD: 10.69%
• 6M: 9.93%
• 1Y: 25.12%
• 3Y*: 20.74%
• 5Y*: 9.26%
• 10Y*: 12.99%

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

MDFGX vs. GWPCX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MDFGX BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund	10.66%	12.63%	31.58%	48.77%	-37.83%	20.78%	40.16%	31.89%	1.81%	32.37%
GWPCX American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C	10.69%	19.58%	19.26%	27.77%	-27.51%	17.70%	24.46%	26.74%	-7.31%	24.19%

Correlation

The correlation between MDFGX and GWPCX 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 2, 2013	0.91

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

Return for Risk

MDFGX vs. GWPCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDFGX

MDFGX Risk / Return Rank: 20
MDFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
MDFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
MDFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
MDFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
MDFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

GWPCX

GWPCX Risk / Return Rank: 42
GWPCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
GWPCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
GWPCX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
GWPCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
GWPCX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

MDFGX vs. GWPCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund (MDFGX) and American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C (GWPCX). 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.

	MDFGX	GWPCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.74	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	2.41	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.32	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.40	2.22	-0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.64	9.59	-4.95

MDFGX vs. GWPCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDFGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the GWPCX Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDFGX and GWPCX, 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

MDFGX vs. GWPCX - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	MDFGX	GWPCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.99%	-34.59%	-13.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.74%	-11.88%	-4.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.43%	-19.49%	-4.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.49%	-34.59%	-7.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.49%	-34.59%	-7.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.30%	-0.23%	-4.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.21%	-5.95%	-5.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.03%	2.74%	+2.29%

Volatility

MDFGX vs. GWPCX - Volatility Comparison

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund (MDFGX) has a higher volatility of 7.19% compared to American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C (GWPCX) at 6.00%. This indicates that MDFGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GWPCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDFGX	GWPCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.19%	6.00%	+1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.56%	12.32%	+2.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.40%	15.19%	+3.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.61%	18.39%	+5.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.61%	18.10%	+4.51%

MDFGX vs. GWPCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

MDFGX vs. GWPCX - Dividend Comparison

MDFGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.63%, more than GWPCX's 5.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GWPCX American Funds Growth Portfolio Class C	5.09%	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	17.63%	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 MDFGX and GWPCX in my portfolio?

MDFGX and GWPCX 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, MDFGX or GWPCX?

MDFGX has higher volatility (7.19%) compared to GWPCX (6.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDFGX dropped -47.99% vs GWPCX's -34.59%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GWPCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.27), 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.