PLBEX vs. VRGWX

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

PLBEX (Plumb Equity Fund) and VRGWX (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, PLBEX returned 14.12%/yr vs 18.77%/yr for VRGWX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PLBEX charges 1.19%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VRGWX.

Performance

PLBEX vs. VRGWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Plumb Equity Fund (PLBEX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PLBEX achieves a 12.36% return, which is significantly higher than VRGWX's 4.22% return. Over the past 10 years, PLBEX has underperformed VRGWX with an annualized return of 14.12%, while VRGWX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.77% annualized return.

PLBEX

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 0.77%
• 6M: 12.36%
• YTD: 12.36%
• 1Y: 18.79%
• 3Y*: 17.30%
• 5Y*: 6.31%
• 10Y*: 14.12%

VRGWX

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: -4.02%
• 6M: 4.22%
• YTD: 4.22%
• 1Y: 16.72%
• 3Y*: 22.04%
• 5Y*: 13.92%
• 10Y*: 18.77%

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

PLBEX vs. VRGWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PLBEX Plumb Equity Fund	12.36%	10.58%	18.01%	42.77%	-32.91%	3.44%	32.39%	33.00%	-2.43%	39.86%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.22%	18.32%	33.25%	42.65%	-29.18%	32.42%	38.38%	36.30%	-1.59%	30.11%

Correlation

The correlation between PLBEX and VRGWX is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.93

The correlation between PLBEX and VRGWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PLBEX vs. VRGWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PLBEX

PLBEX Risk / Return Rank: 22
PLBEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
PLBEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
PLBEX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
PLBEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
PLBEX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

VRGWX

VRGWX Risk / Return Rank: 20
VRGWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
VRGWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
VRGWX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
VRGWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
VRGWX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

PLBEX vs. VRGWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Plumb Equity Fund (PLBEX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX). 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.

	PLBEX	VRGWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	1.08	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.52	1.54	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.19	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.21	1.10	+0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.02	3.52	+0.50

PLBEX vs. VRGWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLBEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.03, which is comparable to the VRGWX Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLBEX and VRGWX, 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

PLBEX vs. VRGWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLBEX drawdown since its inception was -52.48%, which is greater than VRGWX's maximum drawdown of -32.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLBEX and VRGWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLBEX	VRGWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.48%	-32.70%	-19.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.06%	-16.19%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.05%	-23.44%	+0.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.69%	-32.70%	-10.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.69%	-32.70%	-10.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.70%	-4.38%	+3.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.86%	-4.88%	-6.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.84%	5.04%	-0.20%

Volatility

PLBEX vs. VRGWX - Volatility Comparison

Plumb Equity Fund (PLBEX) has a higher volatility of 7.70% compared to Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) at 6.95%. This indicates that PLBEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VRGWX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PLBEX	VRGWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.70%	6.95%	+0.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.54%	13.07%	+2.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.01%	16.53%	+2.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.29%	21.81%	+1.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.26%	21.21%	+2.05%

PLBEX vs. VRGWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLBEX has a 1.19% expense ratio, which is higher than VRGWX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

PLBEX vs. VRGWX - Dividend Comparison

PLBEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.41%, more than VRGWX's 0.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLBEX Plumb Equity Fund	4.41%	4.96%	0.58%	0.00%	11.55%	25.39%	9.27%	4.24%	14.87%	12.93%	1.07%	12.02%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.47%	0.35%	0.56%	0.71%	0.99%	4.18%	0.77%	1.03%	1.22%	1.22%	1.52%	1.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLBEX and VRGWX in my portfolio?

PLBEX and VRGWX have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PLBEX or VRGWX?

PLBEX has higher volatility (7.70%) compared to VRGWX (6.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLBEX dropped -52.48% vs VRGWX's -32.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRGWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.08 vs 1.03), 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.