VEXRX vs. VRTGX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VEXRX (Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares) and VRTGX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VEXRX returned 13.38%/yr vs 11.55%/yr for VRTGX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VEXRX charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VRTGX.

Performance

VEXRX vs. VRTGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEXRX achieves a 15.32% return, which is significantly lower than VRTGX's 18.46% return. Over the past 10 years, VEXRX has outperformed VRTGX with an annualized return of 13.38%, while VRTGX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.55% annualized return.

VEXRX

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 3.80%
• YTD: 15.32%
• 6M: 14.23%
• 1Y: 29.01%
• 3Y*: 17.46%
• 5Y*: 7.28%
• 10Y*: 13.38%

VRTGX

• 1D: 0.86%
• 1M: 5.85%
• YTD: 18.46%
• 6M: 16.83%
• 1Y: 39.45%
• 3Y*: 18.76%
• 5Y*: 6.15%
• 10Y*: 11.55%

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

VEXRX vs. VRTGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEXRX Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares	15.32%	7.19%	17.40%	19.90%	-23.23%	16.07%	31.51%	31.42%	-2.34%	22.64%
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	18.46%	12.97%	15.26%	18.80%	-26.30%	2.82%	34.81%	28.84%	-9.21%	22.27%

Correlation

The correlation between VEXRX and VRTGX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2010	0.97

The correlation between VEXRX and VRTGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VEXRX vs. VRTGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEXRX

VEXRX Risk / Return Rank: 47
VEXRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
VEXRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VEXRX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VEXRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VEXRX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VRTGX

VRTGX Risk / Return Rank: 45
VRTGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VRTGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
VRTGX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VRTGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VRTGX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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. VRTGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX). 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.

	VEXRX	VRTGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.96	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.68	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	2.83	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.81	10.20	+1.61
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VEXRX vs. VRTGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEXRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the VRTGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEXRX and VRTGX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VEXRX	VRTGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.81	1.96	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34	0.25	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62	0.47	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.52	-0.05

Drawdowns

VEXRX vs. VRTGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEXRX drawdown since its inception was -57.26%, which is greater than VRTGX's maximum drawdown of -41.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEXRX and VRTGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEXRX	VRTGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.26%	-41.97%	-15.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.16%	-14.80%	+4.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.35%	-28.54%	+4.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.67%	-40.48%	+7.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.86%	-41.97%	+2.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.02%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.94%	-10.44%	+0.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	4.10%	-1.49%

Volatility

VEXRX vs. VRTGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX) is 4.58%, while Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX) has a volatility of 6.44%. This indicates that VEXRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VRTGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEXRX	VRTGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.58%	6.44%	-1.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.67%	15.87%	-3.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.02%	21.37%	-4.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.31%	24.55%	-3.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.83%	24.51%	-2.68%

VEXRX vs. VRTGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEXRX has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VRTGX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEXRX vs. VRTGX - Dividend Comparison

VEXRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.54%, more than VRTGX's 0.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEXRX Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares	6.54%	7.54%	12.72%	0.89%	5.22%	16.17%	6.76%	5.08%	11.13%	11.46%	4.63%	10.89%
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.60%	0.57%	0.62%	0.85%	0.78%	0.54%	0.53%	0.90%	0.85%	0.75%	1.07%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEXRX and VRTGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VEXRX and VRTGX 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, VEXRX or VRTGX?

VRTGX has higher volatility (6.44%) compared to VEXRX (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEXRX dropped -57.26% vs VRTGX's -41.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.81), 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.