VGMS vs. VSMGX

Last updated Apr 1, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF (VGMS) and Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX).

VGMS is an actively managed fund by Vanguard. It was launched on Jun 9, 2025. VSMGX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Sep 30, 1994.

Performance

VGMS vs. VSMGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF (VGMS) and Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

VGMS vs. VSMGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGMS Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF	-0.28%	5.44%
VSMGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund	-2.81%	9.81%

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGMS achieves a -0.28% return, which is significantly higher than VSMGX's -2.81% return.

VGMS

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: -1.38%
• YTD: -0.28%
• 6M: 1.27%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VSMGX

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -6.43%
• YTD: -2.81%
• 6M: -0.53%
• 1Y: 12.75%
• 3Y*: 12.54%
• 5Y*: 6.40%
• 10Y*: 7.93%

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

VGMS vs. VSMGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGMS has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMGX's 0.13% expense ratio.

VGMS

Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF

VSMGX

Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund

Return for Risk

VGMS vs. VSMGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSMGX

VSMGX Risk / Return Rank: 73
VSMGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VSMGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
VSMGX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
VSMGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VSMGX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

VGMS vs. VSMGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF (VGMS) and Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGMS	VSMGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.64	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.77	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.08	0.67	+1.41

Correlation

The correlation between VGMS and VSMGX is 0.63, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.

Dividends

VGMS vs. VSMGX - Dividend Comparison

VGMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.83%, less than VSMGX's 5.40% yield.

	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGMS Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF	3.83%	2.94%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VSMGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund	5.40%	5.25%	11.49%	4.01%	2.66%	3.86%	3.46%	2.52%	4.11%	1.09%	2.26%	3.89%

Drawdowns

VGMS vs. VSMGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGMS drawdown since its inception was -2.46%, smaller than the maximum VSMGX drawdown of -41.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGMS and VSMGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGMS	VSMGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.46%	-41.13%	+38.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.29%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-22.43%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.51%	-6.64%	+5.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.27%	-4.86%	+4.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.66%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGMS	VSMGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.58%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.12%	10.11%	-6.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.12%	10.09%	-6.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.12%	10.30%	-7.18%