VASGX vs. WFDDX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VASGX (Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund) and WFDDX (Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund) are both mutual funds - VASGX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Vanguard, while WFDDX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Allspring Global Investments. Over the past 10 years, VASGX returned 11.05%/yr vs 13.68%/yr for WFDDX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VASGX charges 0.14%/yr vs 1.11%/yr for WFDDX.

Performance

VASGX vs. WFDDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund (VASGX) and Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund (WFDDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VASGX achieves a 10.19% return, which is significantly lower than WFDDX's 19.60% return. Over the past 10 years, VASGX has underperformed WFDDX with an annualized return of 11.05%, while WFDDX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.68% annualized return.

VASGX

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 10.19%
• 6M: 9.63%
• 1Y: 23.77%
• 3Y*: 17.41%
• 5Y*: 8.92%
• 10Y*: 11.05%

WFDDX

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 6.98%
• YTD: 19.60%
• 6M: 16.52%
• 1Y: 26.55%
• 3Y*: 16.46%
• 5Y*: 0.68%
• 10Y*: 13.68%

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

VASGX vs. WFDDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VASGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund	10.19%	19.65%	12.95%	18.76%	-17.21%	14.35%	15.45%	23.14%	-6.89%	19.21%
WFDDX Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund	19.60%	5.51%	18.05%	20.25%	-37.83%	-6.10%	61.81%	61.34%	-6.95%	29.27%

Correlation

The correlation between VASGX and WFDDX is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2005	0.85

The correlation between VASGX and WFDDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VASGX vs. WFDDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VASGX

VASGX Risk / Return Rank: 70
VASGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VASGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VASGX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VASGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VASGX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

WFDDX

WFDDX Risk / Return Rank: 27
WFDDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
WFDDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
WFDDX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
WFDDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
WFDDX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

VASGX vs. WFDDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund (VASGX) and Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund (WFDDX). 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.

	VASGX	WFDDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.25	1.31	+0.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	1.90	+1.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.23	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	1.91	+1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.08	7.00	+6.08

VASGX vs. WFDDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VASGX Sharpe Ratio is 2.25, which is higher than the WFDDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VASGX and WFDDX, 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

VASGX vs. WFDDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VASGX drawdown since its inception was -51.16%, smaller than the maximum WFDDX drawdown of -59.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VASGX and WFDDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VASGX	WFDDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.16%	-59.22%	+8.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.17%	-14.77%	+6.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.89%	-27.05%	+14.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.43%	-59.22%	+34.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.53%	-59.22%	+30.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.60%	-20.34%	+19.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.24%	-16.28%	+9.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.89%	4.03%	-2.14%

Volatility

VASGX vs. WFDDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund (VASGX) is 4.37%, while Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund (WFDDX) has a volatility of 7.22%. This indicates that VASGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WFDDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VASGX	WFDDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.37%	7.22%	-2.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.11%	17.65%	-8.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.00%	21.62%	-10.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.88%	33.45%	-20.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.52%	29.31%	-15.79%

VASGX vs. WFDDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VASGX has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is lower than WFDDX's 1.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

VASGX vs. WFDDX - Dividend Comparison

VASGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.72%, less than WFDDX's 14.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VASGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund	3.72%	4.09%	6.15%	3.00%	2.10%	3.54%	3.54%	2.34%	4.36%	2.13%	2.23%	4.54%
WFDDX Allspring Discovery SMID Cap Growth Fund	14.35%	17.17%	9.33%	0.00%	1.35%	36.45%	4.93%	26.87%	19.12%	17.95%	1.32%	8.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VASGX and WFDDX in my portfolio?

VASGX and WFDDX have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VASGX or WFDDX?

WFDDX has higher volatility (7.22%) compared to VASGX (4.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VASGX dropped -51.16% vs WFDDX's -59.22%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VASGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 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.