SWLSX vs. VIGAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SWLSX (Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™) and VIGAX (Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, SWLSX returned 16.76%/yr vs 18.39%/yr for VIGAX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SWLSX charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VIGAX.

Performance

SWLSX vs. VIGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™ (SWLSX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with SWLSX having a 11.17% return and VIGAX slightly lower at 10.82%. Over the past 10 years, SWLSX has underperformed VIGAX with an annualized return of 16.76%, while VIGAX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.39% annualized return.

SWLSX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 7.06%
• YTD: 11.17%
• 6M: 10.00%
• 1Y: 29.73%
• 3Y*: 24.86%
• 5Y*: 16.18%
• 10Y*: 16.76%

VIGAX

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 7.54%
• YTD: 10.82%
• 6M: 10.11%
• 1Y: 29.44%
• 3Y*: 26.45%
• 5Y*: 15.71%
• 10Y*: 18.39%

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

SWLSX vs. VIGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWLSX Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™	11.17%	19.69%	29.41%	38.27%	-27.00%	29.03%	29.03%	31.02%	-7.93%	29.01%
VIGAX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.82%	19.43%	32.67%	46.76%	-33.14%	27.26%	40.18%	37.23%	-3.35%	27.80%

Correlation

The correlation between SWLSX and VIGAX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2006	0.98

The correlation between SWLSX and VIGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

SWLSX vs. VIGAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SWLSX	VIGAX
Technology	47.7%	53.5%
Communication Services	14.3%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	13.1%	12.2%
Healthcare	7.6%	4.6%
Industrials	7.5%	3.6%
Financial Services	6.2%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	1.5%
Energy	0.4%	0.4%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Real Estate	-	1.0%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

SWLSX vs. VIGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWLSX

SWLSX Risk / Return Rank: 35
SWLSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
SWLSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SWLSX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SWLSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
SWLSX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

VIGAX

VIGAX Risk / Return Rank: 34
VIGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VIGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VIGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VIGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
VIGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

SWLSX vs. VIGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™ (SWLSX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX). 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.

	SWLSX	VIGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	1.92	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.59	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.33	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	1.84	+0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.56	6.49	+0.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SWLSX vs. VIGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWLSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the VIGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWLSX and VIGAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SWLSX	VIGAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.92	1.92	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77	0.71	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81	0.86	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.48	+0.09

Drawdowns

SWLSX vs. VIGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWLSX drawdown since its inception was -49.89%, roughly equal to the maximum VIGAX drawdown of -50.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWLSX and VIGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWLSX	VIGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.89%	-50.66%	+0.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.17%	-16.51%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.93%	-23.04%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.32%	-35.63%	+4.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.32%	-35.63%	+4.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.28%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.94%	-11.96%	+4.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.67%	4.68%	-0.01%

Volatility

SWLSX vs. VIGAX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™ (SWLSX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX) have volatilities of 3.46% and 3.62%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWLSX	VIGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.46%	3.62%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.26%	12.10%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.02%	15.88%	+0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.04%	22.35%	-1.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.84%	21.59%	-0.75%

SWLSX vs. VIGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWLSX has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than VIGAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SWLSX vs. VIGAX - Dividend Comparison

SWLSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, more than VIGAX's 0.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWLSX Schwab Large-Cap Growth Fund™	1.05%	1.17%	0.11%	0.04%	2.07%	7.77%	1.07%	5.32%	12.35%	7.92%	4.46%	17.08%
VIGAX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.36%	0.40%	0.46%	0.57%	0.69%	0.47%	0.66%	0.94%	1.31%	1.14%	1.39%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWLSX and VIGAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, SWLSX and VIGAX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SWLSX or VIGAX?

VIGAX has higher volatility (3.62%) compared to SWLSX (3.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWLSX dropped -49.89% vs VIGAX's -50.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 vs 1.92), 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.