MDFGX vs. VGSH

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MDFGX (BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund) and VGSH (Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF) are both funds - MDFGX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by BlackRock, while VGSH is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 1-3 Year Index. Over the past 10 years, MDFGX returned 16.67%/yr vs 1.73%/yr for VGSH. At a correlation of -0.11, they often move in opposite directions. MDFGX charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VGSH.

Performance

MDFGX vs. VGSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund (MDFGX) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MDFGX achieves a 8.54% return, which is significantly higher than VGSH's 0.57% return. Over the past 10 years, MDFGX has outperformed VGSH with an annualized return of 16.67%, while VGSH has yielded a comparatively lower 1.73% annualized return.

MDFGX

• 1D: 2.30%
• 1M: -3.72%
• YTD: 8.54%
• 6M: 10.22%
• 1Y: 20.45%
• 3Y*: 22.77%
• 5Y*: 10.48%
• 10Y*: 16.67%

VGSH

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 0.57%
• 6M: 0.83%
• 1Y: 3.36%
• 3Y*: 4.25%
• 5Y*: 1.83%
• 10Y*: 1.73%

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

MDFGX vs. VGSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MDFGX BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund	8.54%	12.63%	31.58%	48.77%	-37.83%	20.78%	40.16%	31.89%	1.81%	32.37%
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	0.57%	5.07%	4.00%	4.31%	-3.86%	-0.60%	3.04%	3.52%	1.55%	0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between MDFGX and VGSH is 0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.02
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.06
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 23, 2009	-0.11

The correlation between MDFGX and VGSH shifts across timeframes, from -0.11 (all time) to 0.06 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MDFGX vs. VGSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDFGX

MDFGX Risk / Return Rank: 19
MDFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
MDFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
MDFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
MDFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
MDFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

VGSH

VGSH Risk / Return Rank: 88
VGSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
VGSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
VGSH Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VGSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
VGSH Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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. VGSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund (MDFGX) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH). 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	VGSH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	2.61	-1.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.47	4.30	-2.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.55	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.14	3.76	-2.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.80	14.67	-10.87

MDFGX vs. VGSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDFGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.05, which is lower than the VGSH Sharpe Ratio of 2.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDFGX and VGSH, 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. VGSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDFGX drawdown since its inception was -47.99%, which is greater than VGSH's maximum drawdown of -5.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDFGX and VGSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDFGX	VGSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.99%	-5.70%	-42.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.74%	-0.88%	-15.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.43%	-0.97%	-23.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.49%	-5.66%	-36.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.49%	-5.70%	-36.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.14%	-0.21%	-5.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.22%	-0.60%	-10.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.99%	0.23%	+4.76%

Volatility

MDFGX vs. VGSH - Volatility Comparison

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund (MDFGX) has a higher volatility of 6.95% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) at 0.37%. This indicates that MDFGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGSH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDFGX	VGSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.95%	0.37%	+6.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.60%	0.90%	+13.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.18%	1.28%	+16.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.57%	1.97%	+21.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.58%	1.58%	+21.00%

MDFGX vs. VGSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDFGX has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than VGSH's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDFGX vs. VGSH - Dividend Comparison

MDFGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.98%, more than VGSH's 3.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MDFGX BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund	17.98%	19.51%	12.73%	3.59%	9.46%	12.95%	5.46%	10.67%	14.31%	12.51%	4.01%	11.22%
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	3.87%	4.00%	4.18%	3.31%	1.15%	0.66%	1.74%	2.28%	1.79%	1.10%	0.84%	0.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDFGX and VGSH in my portfolio?

MDFGX and VGSH have a correlation of 0.06, 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 VGSH?

MDFGX has higher volatility (6.95%) compared to VGSH (0.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDFGX dropped -47.99% vs VGSH's -5.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.61 vs 1.05), 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.