VGELX vs. VGENX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VGELX (Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares) and VGENX (Vanguard Energy Fund Investor Shares) are both Energy Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VGELX returned 9.40%/yr vs 9.30%/yr for VGENX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VGELX charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for VGENX.

Performance

VGELX vs. VGENX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares (VGELX) and Vanguard Energy Fund Investor Shares (VGENX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VGELX having a 18.62% return and VGENX slightly lower at 18.56%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VGELX having a 9.40% annualized return and VGENX not far behind at 9.30%.

VGELX

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -4.49%
• YTD: 18.62%
• 6M: 17.89%
• 1Y: 31.57%
• 3Y*: 27.77%
• 5Y*: 21.86%
• 10Y*: 9.40%

VGENX

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -4.52%
• YTD: 18.56%
• 6M: 17.84%
• 1Y: 31.44%
• 3Y*: 27.63%
• 5Y*: 21.74%
• 10Y*: 9.30%

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

VGELX vs. VGENX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGELX Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares	18.62%	20.76%	30.46%	8.87%	23.70%	27.80%	-30.80%	13.32%	-17.12%	3.31%
VGENX Vanguard Energy Fund Investor Shares	18.56%	20.67%	30.25%	8.78%	23.59%	27.71%	-30.85%	13.23%	-17.19%	3.22%

Correlation

The correlation between VGELX and VGENX is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2001	1.00

The correlation between VGELX and VGENX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

VGELX vs. VGENX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGELX	VGENX
Energy	56.5%	56.5%
Utilities	40.8%	40.8%
Basic Materials	1.1%	1.1%
Financial Services	0.0%	0.0%
Real Estate	0.0%	0.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

VGELX vs. VGENX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGELX

VGELX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VGELX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VGELX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
VGELX Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VGELX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VGELX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

VGENX

VGENX Risk / Return Rank: 84
VGENX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
VGENX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
VGENX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
VGENX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VGENX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

VGELX vs. VGENX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares (VGELX) and Vanguard Energy Fund Investor Shares (VGENX). 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.

	VGELX	VGENX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	2.72	+0.02
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.72	3.70	+0.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.48	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.81	5.77	+0.04
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	20.33	20.21	+0.13
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGELX vs. VGENX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGELX Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is comparable to the VGENX Sharpe Ratio of 2.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGELX and VGENX, 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

	VGELX	VGENX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.73	2.72	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.17	1.17	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.41	0.40	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.44	-0.09

Drawdowns

VGELX vs. VGENX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGELX drawdown since its inception was -65.22%, roughly equal to the maximum VGENX drawdown of -65.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGELX and VGENX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGELX	VGENX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.22%	-65.37%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.69%	-5.71%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.30%	-12.30%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.72%	-19.72%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-61.13%	-61.19%	+0.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.41%	-5.43%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.15%	-14.94%	-4.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.63%	1.63%	0.00%

Volatility

VGELX vs. VGENX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares (VGELX) and Vanguard Energy Fund Investor Shares (VGENX) have volatilities of 4.74% and 4.75%, 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

	VGELX	VGENX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.74%	4.75%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.14%	10.17%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.08%	12.11%	-0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.72%	18.70%	+0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.21%	23.20%	+0.01%

VGELX vs. VGENX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGELX has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is lower than VGENX's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGELX vs. VGENX - Dividend Comparison

VGELX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.28%, which matches VGENX's 7.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGELX Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares	7.28%	4.79%	34.15%	6.91%	4.71%	3.70%	4.54%	3.38%	3.07%	3.05%	1.91%	2.70%
VGENX Vanguard Energy Fund Investor Shares	7.23%	4.71%	33.96%	6.83%	4.63%	3.63%	4.46%	3.30%	2.96%	2.96%	1.84%	2.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGELX and VGENX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VGELX and VGENX 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, VGELX or VGENX?

VGENX has higher volatility (4.75%) compared to VGELX (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGELX dropped -65.22% vs VGENX's -65.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGELX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 2.72), 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.