VCULX vs. VRGWX

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

VCULX (VALIC Company I Growth Fund) and VRGWX (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VCULX returned 15.91%/yr vs 18.55%/yr for VRGWX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VCULX charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VRGWX.

Performance

VCULX vs. VRGWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VALIC Company I Growth Fund (VCULX) 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, VCULX achieves a 9.43% return, which is significantly higher than VRGWX's 4.54% return. Over the past 10 years, VCULX has underperformed VRGWX with an annualized return of 15.91%, while VRGWX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.55% annualized return.

VCULX

• 1D: 1.13%
• 1M: 2.17%
• 6M: 7.71%
• YTD: 9.43%
• 1Y: 16.93%
• 3Y*: 21.79%
• 5Y*: 9.96%
• 10Y*: 15.91%

VRGWX

• 1D: 1.27%
• 1M: 1.50%
• 6M: 3.88%
• YTD: 4.54%
• 1Y: 15.94%
• 3Y*: 22.59%
• 5Y*: 13.77%
• 10Y*: 18.55%

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

VCULX vs. VRGWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCULX VALIC Company I Growth Fund	9.43%	10.84%	32.74%	46.14%	-35.17%	20.88%	42.64%	31.75%	-6.16%	30.29%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.54%	18.32%	33.25%	42.65%	-29.18%	32.42%	38.38%	36.30%	-1.59%	30.11%

Correlation

The correlation between VCULX and VRGWX is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
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 Sep 22, 2010	0.98

The correlation between VCULX and VRGWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCULX vs. VRGWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCULX

VCULX Risk / Return Rank: 19
VCULX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VCULX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
VCULX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
VCULX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
VCULX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

VRGWX

VRGWX Risk / Return Rank: 18
VRGWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VRGWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
VRGWX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
VRGWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VRGWX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

VCULX vs. VRGWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VALIC Company I Growth Fund (VCULX) 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.

	VCULX	VRGWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.95	0.94	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.38	1.37	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.17	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.01	0.97	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.33	3.08	+0.25

VCULX vs. VRGWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCULX Sharpe Ratio is 0.95, which is comparable to the VRGWX Sharpe Ratio of 0.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCULX 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

VCULX vs. VRGWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCULX drawdown since its inception was -51.32%, which is greater than VRGWX's maximum drawdown of -32.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCULX and VRGWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCULX	VRGWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.32%	-32.70%	-18.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.39%	-16.19%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.46%	-23.44%	-3.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.13%	-32.70%	-6.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.13%	-32.70%	-6.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.73%	-4.09%	+0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.28%	-4.88%	-5.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.95%	5.08%	-0.13%

Volatility

VCULX vs. VRGWX - Volatility Comparison

VALIC Company I Growth Fund (VCULX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) have volatilities of 6.58% and 6.55%, 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

	VCULX	VRGWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.58%	6.55%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.22%	13.29%	+0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.47%	16.63%	+0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.32%	21.83%	+1.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.05%	21.21%	+0.84%

VCULX vs. VRGWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCULX has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than VRGWX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCULX vs. VRGWX - Dividend Comparison

VCULX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.76%, more than VRGWX's 0.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VCULX VALIC Company I Growth Fund	10.76%	0.00%	0.07%	30.05%	37.81%	12.80%	7.28%	7.63%	0.63%	6.70%	0.00%	0.00%
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 VCULX and VRGWX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, VCULX 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, VCULX or VRGWX?

VCULX has higher volatility (6.58%) compared to VRGWX (6.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCULX dropped -51.32% vs VRGWX's -32.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCULX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.95 vs 0.94), 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.