VEXRX vs. QCOM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VEXRX (Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares) is Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while QCOM (QUALCOMM Incorporated) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, VEXRX returned 13.50%/yr vs 18.10%/yr for QCOM. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

VEXRX vs. QCOM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX) and QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEXRX achieves a 14.57% return, which is significantly lower than QCOM's 25.03% return. Over the past 10 years, VEXRX has underperformed QCOM with an annualized return of 13.50%, while QCOM has yielded a comparatively higher 18.10% annualized return.

VEXRX

• 1D: 3.26%
• 1M: 3.82%
• YTD: 14.57%
• 6M: 12.38%
• 1Y: 28.65%
• 3Y*: 16.51%
• 5Y*: 6.50%
• 10Y*: 13.50%

QCOM

• 1D: 4.32%
• 1M: 5.47%
• YTD: 25.03%
• 6M: 19.95%
• 1Y: 39.72%
• 3Y*: 22.00%
• 5Y*: 11.87%
• 10Y*: 18.10%

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

VEXRX vs. QCOM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEXRX Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares	14.57%	7.19%	17.40%	19.90%	-23.23%	16.07%	31.51%	31.42%	-2.34%	22.64%
QCOM QUALCOMM Incorporated	25.03%	13.84%	8.31%	35.07%	-38.58%	22.25%	77.08%	60.76%	-7.59%	2.05%

Correlation

The correlation between VEXRX and QCOM is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2001	0.60

The correlation between VEXRX and QCOM shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (1 year) to 0.64 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VEXRX vs. QCOM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEXRX

VEXRX Risk / Return Rank: 51
VEXRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VEXRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VEXRX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VEXRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VEXRX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

QCOM

QCOM Risk / Return Rank: 66
QCOM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
QCOM Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
QCOM Omega Ratio Rank: 67
QCOM Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
QCOM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

VEXRX vs. QCOM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX) and QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM). 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.

	VEXRX	QCOM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	0.75	+0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	1.36	+0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.19	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	1.10	+1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.04	2.44	+7.60

VEXRX vs. QCOM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEXRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is higher than the QCOM Sharpe Ratio of 0.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEXRX and QCOM, 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

VEXRX vs. QCOM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEXRX drawdown since its inception was -57.26%, smaller than the maximum QCOM drawdown of -86.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXRX and QCOM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEXRX	QCOM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.26%	-86.75%	+29.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.16%	-33.13%	+22.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.35%	-44.23%	+19.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.67%	-44.29%	+11.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.86%	-44.29%	+4.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-15.34%	+14.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.93%	-32.87%	+22.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.63%	14.89%	-12.26%

Volatility

VEXRX vs. QCOM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX) is 6.31%, while QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) has a volatility of 27.32%. This indicates that VEXRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QCOM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEXRX	QCOM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.31%	27.32%	-21.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.50%	42.18%	-28.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.65%	48.52%	-30.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.41%	41.17%	-19.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.86%	39.28%	-17.42%

Dividends

VEXRX vs. QCOM - Dividend Comparison

VEXRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.58%, more than QCOM's 1.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QCOM QUALCOMM Incorporated	1.70%	2.06%	2.18%	2.18%	2.67%	1.47%	1.69%	2.81%	4.27%	3.50%	3.17%	3.72%
VEXRX Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares	6.58%	7.54%	12.72%	0.89%	5.22%	16.17%	6.76%	5.08%	11.13%	11.46%	4.63%	10.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEXRX and QCOM in my portfolio?

VEXRX and QCOM have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEXRX or QCOM?

QCOM has higher volatility (27.32%) compared to VEXRX (6.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEXRX dropped -57.26% vs QCOM's -86.75%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEXRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 0.75), 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.