VEVFX vs. VIGIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VEVFX (Vanguard Explorer Value Fund) and VIGIX (Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both mutual funds - VEVFX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VIGIX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, VEVFX returned 10.62%/yr vs 18.28%/yr for VIGIX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VEVFX charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIGIX.

Performance

VEVFX vs. VIGIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Explorer Value Fund (VEVFX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VIGIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEVFX achieves a 17.12% return, which is significantly higher than VIGIX's 5.75% return. Over the past 10 years, VEVFX has underperformed VIGIX with an annualized return of 10.62%, while VIGIX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.28% annualized return.

VEVFX

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 4.38%
• YTD: 17.12%
• 6M: 16.04%
• 1Y: 32.35%
• 3Y*: 17.51%
• 5Y*: 8.25%
• 10Y*: 10.62%

VIGIX

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: -1.90%
• YTD: 5.75%
• 6M: 4.44%
• 1Y: 22.60%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 13.39%
• 10Y*: 18.28%

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

VEVFX vs. VIGIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEVFX Vanguard Explorer Value Fund	17.12%	7.40%	13.81%	15.29%	-14.11%	28.14%	3.29%	26.92%	-13.03%	12.43%
VIGIX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.75%	19.44%	32.68%	46.77%	-33.13%	27.27%	40.19%	37.26%	-3.34%	27.81%

Correlation

The correlation between VEVFX and VIGIX is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2010	0.74

Over the past year, the correlation between VEVFX and VIGIX has dropped to 0.50 - well below their long-term average of 0.74, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VEVFX vs. VIGIX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEVFX	VIGIX
Financial Services	22.5%	4.0%
Industrials	16.6%	3.5%
Consumer Cyclical	16.0%	11.6%
Technology	9.9%	56.4%
Real Estate	7.9%	0.9%
Healthcare	7.5%	4.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	1.3%
Energy	4.3%	0.3%
Communication Services	4.1%	16.0%
Utilities	3.4%	0.7%
Basic Materials	3.3%	0.6%

Return for Risk

VEVFX vs. VIGIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEVFX

VEVFX Risk / Return Rank: 56
VEVFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VEVFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VEVFX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VEVFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VEVFX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

VIGIX

VIGIX Risk / Return Rank: 24
VIGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VIGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VIGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
VIGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
VIGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

VEVFX vs. VIGIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Explorer Value Fund (VEVFX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VIGIX). 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.

	VEVFX	VIGIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.43	+0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	1.97	+0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.25	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	1.46	+1.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.29	5.01	+5.27

VEVFX vs. VIGIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEVFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is higher than the VIGIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEVFX and VIGIX, 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

VEVFX vs. VIGIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEVFX drawdown since its inception was -47.53%, smaller than the maximum VIGIX drawdown of -56.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEVFX and VIGIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEVFX	VIGIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.53%	-56.95%	+9.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.31%	-16.51%	+6.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.32%	-23.03%	-4.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.32%	-35.62%	+8.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.53%	-35.62%	-11.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-4.85%	+4.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.60%	-16.25%	+9.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.32%	4.80%	-1.48%

Volatility

VEVFX vs. VIGIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Explorer Value Fund (VEVFX) is 4.46%, while Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VIGIX) has a volatility of 6.58%. This indicates that VEVFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VIGIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEVFX	VIGIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.46%	6.58%	-2.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.23%	13.37%	-1.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.72%	16.89%	+0.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.70%	22.49%	-1.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.51%	21.67%	+0.84%

VEVFX vs. VIGIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEVFX has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than VIGIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEVFX vs. VIGIX - Dividend Comparison

VEVFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.76%, more than VIGIX's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEVFX Vanguard Explorer Value Fund	8.76%	10.26%	14.55%	2.49%	3.85%	3.83%	0.86%	1.47%	8.92%	3.00%	2.26%	6.31%
VIGIX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.15%	1.40%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEVFX and VIGIX in my portfolio?

VEVFX and VIGIX have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEVFX or VIGIX?

VIGIX has higher volatility (6.58%) compared to VEVFX (4.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEVFX dropped -47.53% vs VIGIX's -56.95%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEVFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.43), 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.