VCPAX vs. VSMGX
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCPAX) and Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX).
VCPAX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Oct 25, 2021. VSMGX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Sep 30, 1994.
Performance
VCPAX vs. VSMGX - Performance Comparison
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VCPAX vs. VSMGX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCPAX Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares | -0.41% | 8.06% | 2.95% | 6.80% | -12.60% | 0.32% |
VSMGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund | -2.81% | 16.26% | 15.03% | 15.70% | -16.01% | 1.99% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VCPAX achieves a -0.41% return, which is significantly higher than VSMGX's -2.81% return.
VCPAX
- 1D
- 0.47%
- 1M
- -2.20%
- YTD
- -0.41%
- 6M
- 0.76%
- 1Y
- 4.63%
- 3Y*
- 4.80%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
VSMGX
- 1D
- -0.03%
- 1M
- -6.43%
- YTD
- -2.81%
- 6M
- -0.53%
- 1Y
- 12.75%
- 3Y*
- 12.54%
- 5Y*
- 6.40%
- 10Y*
- 7.93%
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VCPAX vs. VSMGX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VCPAX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMGX's 0.13% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Return for Risk
VCPAX vs. VSMGX — Risk / Return Rank
VCPAX
VSMGX
VCPAX vs. VSMGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCPAX) and Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX). 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.
| VCPAX | VSMGX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.19 | 1.27 | -0.08 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.72 | 1.82 | -0.10 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.22 | 1.26 | -0.05 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.96 | 1.64 | +0.32 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.49 | 7.16 | -0.68 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VCPAX | VSMGX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.19 | 1.27 | -0.08 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | — | 0.64 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | — | 0.77 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.15 | 0.67 | -0.52 |
Correlation
The correlation between VCPAX and VSMGX is 0.40, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
VCPAX vs. VSMGX - Dividend Comparison
VCPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.45%, less than VSMGX's 5.40% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCPAX Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares | 4.45% | 4.86% | 5.19% | 4.55% | 3.26% | 0.27% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VSMGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund | 5.40% | 5.25% | 11.49% | 4.01% | 2.66% | 3.86% | 3.46% | 2.52% | 4.11% | 1.09% | 2.26% | 3.89% |
Drawdowns
VCPAX vs. VSMGX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VCPAX drawdown since its inception was -17.25%, smaller than the maximum VSMGX drawdown of -41.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCPAX and VSMGX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VCPAX | VSMGX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -17.25% | -41.13% | +23.88% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.72% | -7.24% | +4.52% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -22.29% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -22.43% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.20% | -6.64% | +4.44% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.65% | -4.86% | -1.79% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.82% | 1.66% | -0.84% |
Volatility
VCPAX vs. VSMGX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCPAX) is 1.56%, while Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX) has a volatility of 3.58%. This indicates that VCPAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSMGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| VCPAX | VSMGX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.56% | 3.58% | -2.02% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.35% | 6.05% | -3.70% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.04% | 10.11% | -6.07% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 5.70% | 10.09% | -4.39% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.70% | 10.30% | -4.60% |