VGSNX vs. VDIGX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VGSNX (Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VDIGX (Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund) are both mutual funds - VGSNX is a REIT fund managed by Vanguard, while VDIGX is a Dividend fund actively managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VGSNX returned 5.22%/yr vs 12.30%/yr for VDIGX. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGSNX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for VDIGX.

Performance

VGSNX vs. VDIGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX) and Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGSNX achieves a 7.95% return, which is significantly higher than VDIGX's 2.63% return. Over the past 10 years, VGSNX has underperformed VDIGX with an annualized return of 5.22%, while VDIGX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.30% annualized return.

VGSNX

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: -0.96%
• YTD: 7.95%
• 6M: 6.90%
• 1Y: 10.16%
• 3Y*: 9.20%
• 5Y*: 2.22%
• 10Y*: 5.22%

VDIGX

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 3.43%
• YTD: 2.63%
• 6M: 2.55%
• 1Y: 8.31%
• 3Y*: 14.07%
• 5Y*: 9.83%
• 10Y*: 12.30%

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

VGSNX vs. VDIGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGSNX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.95%	3.21%	3.72%	13.12%	-26.19%	40.46%	-4.76%	28.98%	-5.97%	4.90%
VDIGX Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund	2.63%	11.11%	20.84%	8.11%	-4.89%	24.86%	12.04%	30.94%	0.08%	19.32%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSNX and VDIGX is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2003	0.66

The correlation between VGSNX and VDIGX shifts across timeframes, from 0.59 (1 year) to 0.71 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VGSNX vs. VDIGX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGSNX	VDIGX
Real Estate	97.3%	-
Basic Materials	1.1%	2.6%
Communication Services	0.6%	2.3%
Technology	0.3%	23.6%
Energy	0.1%	1.1%
Financial Services	0.1%	20.1%
Industrials	0.0%	14.9%
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	7.9%
Healthcare	-	16.1%
Utilities	-	0.5%

Return for Risk

VGSNX vs. VDIGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSNX

VGSNX Risk / Return Rank: 10
VGSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
VGSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
VGSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VGSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
VGSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

VDIGX

VDIGX Risk / Return Rank: 11
VDIGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
VDIGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
VDIGX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
VDIGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
VDIGX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

VGSNX vs. VDIGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX) and Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX). 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.

	VGSNX	VDIGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	0.86	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.11	1.32	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.15	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.19	0.95	+0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.75	3.67	+0.08
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGSNX vs. VDIGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSNX Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is comparable to the VDIGX Sharpe Ratio of 0.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSNX and VDIGX, 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

	VGSNX	VDIGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75	0.86	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.12	0.71	-0.59
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.25	0.79	-0.54
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.28	0.62	-0.34

Drawdowns

VGSNX vs. VDIGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSNX drawdown since its inception was -73.06%, which is greater than VDIGX's maximum drawdown of -45.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSNX and VDIGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSNX	VDIGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.06%	-45.23%	-27.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.34%	-9.09%	+0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.41%	-10.23%	-7.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.39%	-16.18%	-18.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.30%	-32.98%	-9.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.52%	-0.10%	-3.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.29%	-6.65%	-6.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	2.36%	+0.28%

Volatility

VGSNX vs. VDIGX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX) has a higher volatility of 3.75% compared to Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX) at 2.33%. This indicates that VGSNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VDIGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGSNX	VDIGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.75%	2.33%	+1.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.32%	7.61%	+1.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.16%	10.06%	+3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.87%	13.86%	+5.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.91%	15.70%	+5.21%

VGSNX vs. VDIGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGSNX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than VDIGX's 0.22% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VGSNX vs. VDIGX - Dividend Comparison

VGSNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.71%, less than VDIGX's 23.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VDIGX Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund	23.93%	21.90%	21.94%	2.29%	6.06%	5.45%	2.83%	4.70%	8.72%	5.16%	2.86%	5.70%
VGSNX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.71%	3.94%	3.87%	3.93%	3.94%	2.57%	3.95%	3.40%	4.75%	4.26%	4.84%	3.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGSNX and VDIGX in my portfolio?

VGSNX and VDIGX have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGSNX or VDIGX?

VGSNX has higher volatility (3.75%) compared to VDIGX (2.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSNX dropped -73.06% vs VDIGX's -45.23%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDIGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.86 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.