PRBLX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PRBLX (Parnassus Core Equity Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both funds - PRBLX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Parnassus, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, PRBLX returned 13.76%/yr vs 18.28%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PRBLX charges 0.82%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

PRBLX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Parnassus Core Equity Fund (PRBLX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PRBLX achieves a 7.77% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.76% return. Over the past 10 years, PRBLX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 13.76%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.28% annualized return.

PRBLX

• 1D: 1.65%
• 1M: 2.48%
• YTD: 7.77%
• 6M: 7.55%
• 1Y: 16.44%
• 3Y*: 15.69%
• 5Y*: 10.64%
• 10Y*: 13.76%

VUG

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 5.76%
• 6M: 5.17%
• 1Y: 24.00%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 13.40%
• 10Y*: 18.28%

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

PRBLX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PRBLX Parnassus Core Equity Fund	7.77%	11.67%	18.58%	24.97%	-18.64%	27.59%	21.21%	30.68%	-0.30%	16.63%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.76%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between PRBLX and VUG 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	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.91

The correlation between PRBLX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PRBLX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PRBLX

PRBLX Risk / Return Rank: 22
PRBLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
PRBLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
PRBLX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
PRBLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
PRBLX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 37
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

PRBLX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Parnassus Core Equity Fund (PRBLX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	PRBLX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.44	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	1.97	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.25	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.39	1.46	-0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.38	4.99	+0.40

PRBLX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PRBLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PRBLX and VUG, 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

PRBLX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PRBLX drawdown since its inception was -42.20%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PRBLX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PRBLX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.20%	-50.68%	+8.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-16.53%	+4.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.31%	-22.85%	+6.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.31%	-35.61%	+9.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.09%	-35.61%	+5.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	-4.86%	+4.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.04%	-7.09%	+3.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	4.82%	-1.84%

Volatility

PRBLX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Parnassus Core Equity Fund (PRBLX) is 4.67%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.55%. This indicates that PRBLX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PRBLX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.67%	6.55%	-1.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.97%	13.32%	-3.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.35%	16.80%	-4.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.34%	22.36%	-6.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.31%	21.53%	-4.22%

PRBLX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PRBLX has a 0.82% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PRBLX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

PRBLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.66%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PRBLX Parnassus Core Equity Fund	17.66%	19.08%	10.00%	6.01%	10.13%	7.77%	5.87%	8.02%	9.64%	7.16%	3.80%	9.62%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PRBLX and VUG in my portfolio?

PRBLX and VUG 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, PRBLX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.55%) compared to PRBLX (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PRBLX dropped -42.20% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.31), 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.