VGWAX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VGWAX (Vanguard Global Wellington Fund Admiral Shares) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VGWAX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Vanguard, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 5 years, VGWAX returned 8.60%/yr vs 14.06%/yr for VFIAX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VGWAX charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

VGWAX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Global Wellington Fund Admiral Shares (VGWAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VGWAX having a 10.00% return and VFIAX slightly higher at 10.17%.

VGWAX

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 10.00%
• 6M: 10.16%
• 1Y: 21.39%
• 3Y*: 13.46%
• 5Y*: 8.60%
• 10Y*: —

VFIAX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 10.17%
• 6M: 9.67%
• 1Y: 27.15%
• 3Y*: 20.95%
• 5Y*: 14.06%
• 10Y*: 15.54%

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

VGWAX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VGWAX Vanguard Global Wellington Fund Admiral Shares	10.00%	17.48%	6.27%	12.54%	-7.07%	13.51%	7.51%	22.16%	-5.05%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.17%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-7.97%

Correlation

The correlation between VGWAX and VFIAX is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 14, 2018	0.85

The correlation between VGWAX and VFIAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (3 years) to 0.84 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VGWAX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGWAX

VGWAX Risk / Return Rank: 78
VGWAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VGWAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
VGWAX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
VGWAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VGWAX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

VGWAX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Global Wellington Fund Admiral Shares (VGWAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	VGWAX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	2.17	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.60	2.93	+0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.39	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	3.03	+0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.75	13.72	-0.97

VGWAX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGWAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.55, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGWAX and VFIAX, 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

VGWAX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGWAX drawdown since its inception was -25.28%, smaller than the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGWAX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGWAX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.28%	-55.20%	+29.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.67%	-8.90%	+2.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.69%	-18.75%	+11.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.46%	-24.53%	+7.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.96%	-1.36%	+0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.89%	-9.38%	+6.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.64%	1.96%	-0.32%

Volatility

VGWAX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Global Wellington Fund Admiral Shares (VGWAX) is 2.87%, while Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) has a volatility of 4.77%. This indicates that VGWAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGWAX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.87%	4.77%	-1.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.72%	9.91%	-3.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.24%	12.47%	-4.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.22%	17.00%	-7.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.97%	18.11%	-7.14%

VGWAX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGWAX has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGWAX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

VGWAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.17%, more than VFIAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
VGWAX Vanguard Global Wellington Fund Admiral Shares	6.17%	6.78%	7.47%	2.66%	4.50%	3.36%	1.64%	2.08%	2.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGWAX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

VGWAX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGWAX or VFIAX?

VFIAX has higher volatility (4.77%) compared to VGWAX (2.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGWAX dropped -25.28% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGWAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 2.17), 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.