MXLGX vs. MXISX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

MXLGX (Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund) and MXISX (Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - MXLGX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Great-West, while MXISX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Great-West. Over the past 10 years, MXLGX returned 16.42%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for MXISX. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MXLGX charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for MXISX.

Performance

MXLGX vs. MXISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund (MXLGX) and Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund (MXISX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MXLGX achieves a 2.69% return, which is significantly lower than MXISX's 20.29% return. Over the past 10 years, MXLGX has outperformed MXISX with an annualized return of 16.42%, while MXISX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.54% annualized return.

MXLGX

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -2.37%
• YTD: 2.69%
• 6M: 1.22%
• 1Y: 12.21%
• 3Y*: 18.11%
• 5Y*: 10.50%
• 10Y*: 16.42%

MXISX

• 1D: 1.04%
• 1M: 3.67%
• YTD: 20.29%
• 6M: 17.32%
• 1Y: 35.40%
• 3Y*: 15.69%
• 5Y*: 5.80%
• 10Y*: 10.54%

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

MXLGX vs. MXISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MXLGX Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund	2.69%	13.93%	25.30%	33.43%	-34.08%	41.30%	40.72%	36.20%	-0.47%	28.82%
MXISX Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund	20.29%	5.53%	7.87%	14.61%	-16.60%	26.08%	10.73%	21.46%	-9.22%	11.80%

Correlation

The correlation between MXLGX and MXISX is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 27, 2003	0.75

The correlation between MXLGX and MXISX shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MXLGX vs. MXISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MXLGX

MXLGX Risk / Return Rank: 13
MXLGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
MXLGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
MXLGX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
MXLGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
MXLGX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

MXISX

MXISX Risk / Return Rank: 75
MXISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
MXISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
MXISX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
MXISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
MXISX Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

MXLGX vs. MXISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund (MXLGX) and Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund (MXISX). 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.

	MXLGX	MXISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.84	2.00	-1.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.22	2.90	-1.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.35	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.85	4.03	-3.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.62	13.56	-10.95

MXLGX vs. MXISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MXLGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.84, which is lower than the MXISX Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MXLGX and MXISX, 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

MXLGX vs. MXISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MXLGX drawdown since its inception was -62.98%, smaller than the maximum MXISX drawdown of -70.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MXLGX and MXISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MXLGX	MXISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.98%	-70.66%	+7.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.95%	-8.75%	-6.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.74%	-28.07%	+7.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.07%	-28.07%	-10.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.07%	-44.78%	+6.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.17%	0.00%	-3.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.75%	-21.82%	-3.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.75%	2.58%	+2.17%

Volatility

MXLGX vs. MXISX - Volatility Comparison

Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund (MXLGX) has a higher volatility of 6.21% compared to Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund (MXISX) at 4.96%. This indicates that MXLGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MXISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MXLGX	MXISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.21%	4.96%	+1.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.75%	12.14%	-0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.22%	17.63%	-2.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.97%	21.75%	+0.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.50%	23.83%	-0.33%

MXLGX vs. MXISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MXLGX has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than MXISX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

MXLGX vs. MXISX - Dividend Comparison

MXLGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.56%, more than MXISX's 6.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MXISX Great-West S&P Small Cap 600 Index Fund	6.19%	7.45%	4.53%	2.41%	6.55%	10.79%	6.55%	6.71%	14.30%	8.68%	4.94%	10.96%
MXLGX Great-West Large Cap Growth Fund	12.56%	12.90%	9.72%	2.95%	9.29%	21.33%	30.57%	17.96%	25.47%	5.25%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MXLGX and MXISX in my portfolio?

MXLGX and MXISX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MXLGX or MXISX?

MXLGX has higher volatility (6.21%) compared to MXISX (4.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MXLGX dropped -62.98% vs MXISX's -70.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MXISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 0.84), 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.