VGSNX vs. VIGAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VGSNX (Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VIGAX (Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VGSNX 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, VGSNX returned 5.22%/yr vs 18.39%/yr for VIGAX. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGSNX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VIGAX.

Performance

VGSNX vs. VIGAX - 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 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, VGSNX achieves a 7.95% return, which is significantly lower than VIGAX's 10.82% return. Over the past 10 years, VGSNX has underperformed VIGAX with an annualized return of 5.22%, while VIGAX has yielded a comparatively higher 18.39% 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%

VIGAX

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 7.54%
• YTD: 10.82%
• 6M: 10.11%
• 1Y: 29.44%
• 3Y*: 26.45%
• 5Y*: 15.71%
• 10Y*: 18.39%

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

VGSNX vs. VIGAX - 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%
VIGAX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.82%	19.43%	32.67%	46.76%	-33.14%	27.26%	40.18%	37.23%	-3.35%	27.80%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSNX and VIGAX is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2003	0.58

Over the past year, the correlation between VGSNX and VIGAX has dropped to 0.16 - well below their long-term average of 0.58, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VGSNX vs. VIGAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGSNX	VIGAX
Real Estate	97.3%	1.0%
Basic Materials	1.1%	0.6%
Communication Services	0.6%	17.3%
Technology	0.3%	53.5%
Energy	0.1%	0.4%
Financial Services	0.1%	4.3%
Industrials	0.0%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.5%
Healthcare	-	4.6%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

VGSNX vs. VIGAX — 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

VIGAX

VIGAX Risk / Return Rank: 34
VIGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VIGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VIGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VIGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
VIGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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. VIGAX - 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 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.

	VGSNX	VIGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	1.92	-1.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.11	2.59	-1.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.33	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.19	1.84	-0.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.75	6.49	-2.74
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. VIGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSNX Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is lower than the VIGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSNX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGSNX	VIGAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75	1.92	-1.17
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	0.86	-0.60
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.28	0.48	-0.21

Drawdowns

VGSNX vs. VIGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSNX drawdown since its inception was -73.06%, which is greater than VIGAX's maximum drawdown of -50.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSNX and VIGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSNX	VIGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.06%	-50.66%	-22.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.34%	-16.51%	+8.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.41%	-23.04%	+5.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.39%	-35.63%	+1.24%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.30%	-35.63%	-6.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.52%	-0.28%	-3.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.29%	-11.96%	-1.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	4.68%	-2.04%

Volatility

VGSNX vs. VIGAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX) and Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIGAX) have volatilities of 3.75% and 3.62%, 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

	VGSNX	VIGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.75%	3.62%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.32%	12.10%	-2.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.16%	15.88%	-2.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.87%	22.35%	-3.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.91%	21.59%	-0.68%

VGSNX vs. VIGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGSNX has a 0.10% 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

VGSNX vs. VIGAX - Dividend Comparison

VGSNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.71%, more than VIGAX's 0.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VIGAX Vanguard Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.36%	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 VGSNX and VIGAX in my portfolio?

VGSNX and VIGAX have a correlation of 0.16, 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 VIGAX?

VGSNX has higher volatility (3.75%) compared to VIGAX (3.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSNX dropped -73.06% vs VIGAX's -50.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 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.