VADGX vs. VDIGX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VADGX (Vanguard Advice Select Dividend Growth Fund) and VDIGX (Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 3 years, VADGX returned 9.54%/yr vs 13.95%/yr for VDIGX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VADGX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for VDIGX.

Performance

VADGX vs. VDIGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Advice Select Dividend Growth Fund (VADGX) and Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VADGX achieves a 1.18% return, which is significantly lower than VDIGX's 2.30% return.

VADGX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 2.86%
• YTD: 1.18%
• 6M: 1.88%
• 1Y: 7.23%
• 3Y*: 9.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VDIGX

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 2.26%
• YTD: 2.30%
• 6M: 2.90%
• 1Y: 8.29%
• 3Y*: 13.95%
• 5Y*: 9.77%
• 10Y*: 12.27%

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

VADGX vs. VDIGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VADGX Vanguard Advice Select Dividend Growth Fund	1.18%	8.52%	10.69%	10.42%	-3.88%	3.62%
VDIGX Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund	2.30%	11.11%	20.84%	8.11%	-4.89%	3.50%

Correlation

The correlation between VADGX and VDIGX 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	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2021	0.98

The correlation between VADGX and VDIGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VADGX vs. VDIGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VADGX

VADGX Risk / Return Rank: 8
VADGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
VADGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
VADGX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
VADGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
VADGX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

VDIGX

VDIGX Risk / Return Rank: 10
VDIGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
VDIGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
VDIGX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VDIGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
VDIGX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

VADGX vs. VDIGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Advice Select Dividend Growth Fund (VADGX) and Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX). 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.

	VADGX	VDIGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.74	0.85	-0.11
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.13	1.30	-0.17
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.15	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.71	0.97	-0.26
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	2.56	3.73	-1.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VADGX vs. VDIGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VADGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.74, which is comparable to the VDIGX Sharpe Ratio of 0.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VADGX and VDIGX, 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

	VADGX	VDIGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74	0.85	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.71	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.62	-0.13

Drawdowns

VADGX vs. VDIGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VADGX drawdown since its inception was -15.75%, smaller than the maximum VDIGX drawdown of -45.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VADGX and VDIGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VADGX	VDIGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.75%	-45.23%	+29.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.07%	-9.09%	-1.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.73%	-10.23%	-4.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.18%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.98%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.00%	-0.41%	-0.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.48%	-6.65%	+3.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.06%	2.36%	+0.70%

Volatility

VADGX vs. VDIGX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Advice Select Dividend Growth Fund (VADGX) and Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX) have volatilities of 2.38% and 2.35%, 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

	VADGX	VDIGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.38%	2.35%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.81%	7.61%	+0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.18%	10.08%	+0.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.63%	13.86%	-0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.63%	15.70%	-2.07%

VADGX vs. VDIGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VADGX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VDIGX's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

VADGX vs. VDIGX - Dividend Comparison

VADGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than VDIGX's 24.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VADGX Vanguard Advice Select Dividend Growth Fund	1.03%	1.04%	1.98%	1.25%	0.84%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VDIGX Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund	24.00%	21.90%	21.94%	2.29%	6.06%	5.45%	2.83%	4.70%	8.72%	5.16%	2.86%	5.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VADGX and VDIGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VADGX and VDIGX 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, VADGX or VDIGX?

VADGX has higher volatility (2.38%) compared to VDIGX (2.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VADGX dropped -15.75% vs VDIGX's -45.23%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDIGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.85 vs 0.74), 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.