VAFAX vs. VRGWX

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

VAFAX (Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A) and VRGWX (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VAFAX returned 15.29%/yr vs 18.22%/yr for VRGWX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VAFAX charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VRGWX.

Performance

VAFAX vs. VRGWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A (VAFAX) 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, VAFAX achieves a 5.58% return, which is significantly higher than VRGWX's 2.71% return. Over the past 10 years, VAFAX has underperformed VRGWX with an annualized return of 15.29%, while VRGWX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.22% annualized return.

VAFAX

• 1D: -2.32%
• 1M: -1.82%
• 6M: 4.71%
• YTD: 5.58%
• 1Y: 9.97%
• 3Y*: 19.00%
• 5Y*: 9.37%
• 10Y*: 15.29%

VRGWX

• 1D: -1.94%
• 1M: -0.34%
• 6M: 3.30%
• YTD: 2.71%
• 1Y: 12.22%
• 3Y*: 20.32%
• 5Y*: 13.62%
• 10Y*: 18.22%

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

VAFAX vs. VRGWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VAFAX Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A	5.58%	11.86%	34.78%	40.91%	-31.20%	11.13%	42.15%	36.55%	-3.99%	27.11%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.71%	18.32%	33.25%	42.65%	-29.18%	32.42%	38.38%	36.30%	-1.59%	30.11%

Correlation

The correlation between VAFAX and VRGWX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.96

The correlation between VAFAX and VRGWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VAFAX vs. VRGWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VAFAX

VAFAX Risk / Return Rank: 8
VAFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VAFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
VAFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
VAFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VAFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

VRGWX

VRGWX Risk / Return Rank: 12
VRGWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
VRGWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
VRGWX Omega Ratio Rank: 12
VRGWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
VRGWX 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.

VAFAX vs. VRGWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A (VAFAX) 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.

	VAFAX	VRGWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.51	0.77	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.83	1.14	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.14	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.57	0.80	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.71	2.53	-0.82

VAFAX vs. VRGWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VAFAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.51, which is lower than the VRGWX Sharpe Ratio of 0.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VAFAX 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

VAFAX vs. VRGWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VAFAX drawdown since its inception was -48.48%, which is greater than VRGWX's maximum drawdown of -32.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VAFAX and VRGWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VAFAX	VRGWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.48%	-32.70%	-15.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.27%	-16.19%	-3.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.24%	-23.44%	-3.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.86%	-32.70%	-6.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.86%	-32.70%	-6.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.03%	-5.76%	+1.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.10%	-4.88%	-3.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.44%	5.13%	+1.31%

Volatility

VAFAX vs. VRGWX - Volatility Comparison

Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A (VAFAX) has a higher volatility of 8.20% compared to Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) at 6.33%. This indicates that VAFAX'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

	VAFAX	VRGWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.20%	6.33%	+1.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.49%	13.62%	+3.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.63%	16.90%	+4.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.50%	21.87%	+1.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.48%	21.24%	+1.24%

VAFAX vs. VRGWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VAFAX has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than VRGWX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

VAFAX vs. VRGWX - Dividend Comparison

VAFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.35%, more than VRGWX's 0.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VAFAX Invesco American Franchise Fund Class A	13.35%	14.09%	3.74%	0.00%	8.32%	26.50%	8.78%	6.85%	10.42%	5.37%	4.08%	4.90%
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 VAFAX and VRGWX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VAFAX and VRGWX 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, VAFAX or VRGWX?

VAFAX has higher volatility (8.20%) compared to VRGWX (6.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VAFAX dropped -48.48% vs VRGWX's -32.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRGWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.77 vs 0.51), 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.