VGSTX vs. VWELX
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard STAR Fund (VGSTX) and Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX).
VGSTX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Mar 29, 1985. VWELX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Jul 1, 1929.
Performance
VGSTX vs. VWELX - Performance Comparison
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VGSTX vs. VWELX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VGSTX Vanguard STAR Fund | -2.19% | 15.88% | 13.69% | 17.14% | -18.05% | 9.65% | 21.45% | 22.21% | -5.33% | 16.95% |
VWELX Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares | -3.35% | 16.54% | 14.73% | 14.29% | -14.36% | 18.99% | 10.57% | 22.51% | -3.43% | 13.98% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VGSTX achieves a -2.19% return, which is significantly higher than VWELX's -3.35% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VGSTX having a 8.96% annualized return and VWELX not far ahead at 9.32%.
VGSTX
- 1D
- 1.89%
- 1M
- -4.30%
- YTD
- -2.19%
- 6M
- 0.21%
- 1Y
- 13.34%
- 3Y*
- 12.27%
- 5Y*
- 5.56%
- 10Y*
- 8.96%
VWELX
- 1D
- 2.02%
- 1M
- -3.95%
- YTD
- -3.35%
- 6M
- -0.44%
- 1Y
- 14.14%
- 3Y*
- 12.65%
- 5Y*
- 7.58%
- 10Y*
- 9.32%
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VGSTX vs. VWELX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VGSTX has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is higher than VWELX's 0.24% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
VGSTX vs. VWELX — Risk / Return Rank
VGSTX
VWELX
VGSTX vs. VWELX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard STAR Fund (VGSTX) and Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX). 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.
| VGSTX | VWELX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.20 | 1.23 | -0.03 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.75 | 1.81 | -0.06 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.25 | 1.27 | -0.02 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.65 | 1.88 | -0.23 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.31 | 8.47 | -1.15 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VGSTX | VWELX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.20 | 1.23 | -0.03 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.47 | 0.69 | -0.21 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.76 | 0.81 | -0.05 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.80 | 0.82 | -0.03 |
Correlation
The correlation between VGSTX and VWELX is 0.91, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
VGSTX vs. VWELX - Dividend Comparison
VGSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.33%, less than VWELX's 11.92% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VGSTX Vanguard STAR Fund | 9.33% | 9.13% | 10.67% | 5.35% | 8.34% | 6.70% | 6.68% | 6.07% | 6.90% | 3.32% | 4.77% | 5.62% |
VWELX Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares | 11.92% | 11.46% | 10.76% | 6.01% | 8.19% | 8.64% | 7.77% | 4.67% | 9.49% | 5.82% | 4.44% | 7.03% |
Drawdowns
VGSTX vs. VWELX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VGSTX drawdown since its inception was -38.62%, which is greater than VWELX's maximum drawdown of -36.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSTX and VWELX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VGSTX | VWELX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -38.62% | -36.12% | -2.50% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.19% | -8.03% | -0.16% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.55% | -20.88% | -4.67% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -25.55% | -25.33% | -0.22% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.97% | -4.90% | -0.07% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.04% | -3.93% | -0.11% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.85% | 1.78% | +0.07% |
Volatility
VGSTX vs. VWELX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard STAR Fund (VGSTX) and Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX) have volatilities of 4.11% and 4.07%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| VGSTX | VWELX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.11% | 4.07% | +0.04% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 6.62% | 6.66% | -0.04% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.45% | 11.88% | -0.43% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 11.81% | 11.12% | +0.69% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 11.80% | 11.50% | +0.30% |