VGRNX vs. VIGAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VGRNX (Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VIGAX (Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VGRNX is a REIT fund managed by Vanguard, while VIGAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, VGRNX returned 2.68%/yr vs 18.26%/yr for VIGAX. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGRNX charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VIGAX.

Performance

VGRNX vs. VIGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGRNX achieves a -2.83% return, which is significantly lower than VIGAX's 5.74% return. Over the past 10 years, VGRNX has underperformed VIGAX with an annualized return of 2.68%, while VIGAX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.26% annualized return.

VGRNX

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: -2.44%
• YTD: -2.83%
• 6M: -2.98%
• 1Y: 3.52%
• 3Y*: 9.02%
• 5Y*: -1.52%
• 10Y*: 2.68%

VIGAX

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: -1.90%
• YTD: 5.74%
• 6M: 4.44%
• 1Y: 22.59%
• 3Y*: 23.61%
• 5Y*: 13.38%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

VGRNX vs. VIGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGRNX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	-2.83%	22.02%	-2.40%	6.35%	-22.47%	5.63%	-6.90%	21.50%	-9.54%	26.55%
VIGAX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	5.74%	19.43%	32.67%	46.76%	-33.14%	27.26%	40.18%	37.23%	-3.35%	27.80%

Correlation

The correlation between VGRNX and VIGAX is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2010	0.61

The correlation between VGRNX and VIGAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.43 (3 years) to 0.61 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VGRNX vs. VIGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGRNX

VGRNX Risk / Return Rank: 5
VGRNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
VGRNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
VGRNX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
VGRNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
VGRNX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

VIGAX

VIGAX Risk / Return Rank: 24
VIGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VIGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VIGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
VIGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
VIGAX 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.

VGRNX vs. VIGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX). 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.

	VGRNX	VIGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.37	1.43	-1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.62	1.97	-1.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.25	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.32	1.46	-1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.86	5.01	-4.15

VGRNX vs. VIGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGRNX Sharpe Ratio is 0.37, which is lower than the VIGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGRNX and VIGAX, 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

VGRNX vs. VIGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGRNX drawdown since its inception was -38.77%, smaller than the maximum VIGAX drawdown of -50.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGRNX and VIGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGRNX	VIGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.77%	-50.66%	+11.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.35%	-16.51%	+2.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.82%	-23.04%	+7.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.80%	-35.63%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.77%	-35.63%	-3.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.96%	-4.85%	-7.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.71%	-11.94%	+1.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.29%	4.80%	+0.49%

Volatility

VGRNX vs. VIGAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX) is 3.71%, while Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX) has a volatility of 6.58%. This indicates that VGRNX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VIGAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGRNX	VIGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.71%	6.58%	-2.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.52%	13.37%	-2.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.34%	16.89%	-4.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.02%	22.49%	-8.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.78%	21.67%	-6.89%

VGRNX vs. VIGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGRNX has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is higher than VIGAX's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VGRNX vs. VIGAX - Dividend Comparison

VGRNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.84%, more than VIGAX's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGRNX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.84%	4.71%	5.21%	3.76%	0.58%	6.50%	0.94%	7.81%	4.64%	3.87%	5.19%	2.86%
VIGAX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.38%	0.40%	0.46%	0.57%	0.69%	0.47%	0.66%	0.94%	1.31%	1.14%	1.39%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGRNX and VIGAX in my portfolio?

VGRNX and VIGAX have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGRNX or VIGAX?

VIGAX has higher volatility (6.58%) compared to VGRNX (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGRNX dropped -38.77% vs VIGAX's -50.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 0.37), 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.