VHGEX vs. VGSTX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VHGEX (Vanguard Global Equity Fund) and VGSTX (Vanguard STAR Fund) are both mutual funds - VHGEX is a Global Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VGSTX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VHGEX returned 12.18%/yr vs 9.86%/yr for VGSTX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VHGEX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for VGSTX.

Performance

VHGEX vs. VGSTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Global Equity Fund (VHGEX) and Vanguard STAR Fund (VGSTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VHGEX achieves a 6.37% return, which is significantly higher than VGSTX's 5.73% return. Over the past 10 years, VHGEX has outperformed VGSTX with an annualized return of 12.18%, while VGSTX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.86% annualized return.

VHGEX

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 0.94%
• YTD: 6.37%
• 6M: 5.73%
• 1Y: 20.65%
• 3Y*: 16.65%
• 5Y*: 7.19%
• 10Y*: 12.18%

VGSTX

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 1.05%
• YTD: 5.73%
• 6M: 5.40%
• 1Y: 16.70%
• 3Y*: 14.40%
• 5Y*: 6.44%
• 10Y*: 9.86%

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

VHGEX vs. VGSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VHGEX Vanguard Global Equity Fund	6.37%	21.22%	13.41%	23.52%	-22.72%	13.06%	22.38%	28.73%	-9.15%	27.80%
VGSTX Vanguard STAR Fund	5.73%	15.88%	13.69%	17.14%	-18.05%	9.65%	21.45%	22.21%	-5.33%	16.95%

Correlation

The correlation between VHGEX and VGSTX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 31, 1995	0.88

The correlation between VHGEX and VGSTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VHGEX vs. VGSTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VHGEX

VHGEX Risk / Return Rank: 29
VHGEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
VHGEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VHGEX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VHGEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
VHGEX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

VGSTX

VGSTX Risk / Return Rank: 53
VGSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VGSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VGSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VGSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
VGSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

VHGEX vs. VGSTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Global Equity Fund (VHGEX) and Vanguard STAR Fund (VGSTX). 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.

	VHGEX	VGSTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.96	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	2.78	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.36	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	2.58	-0.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.98	11.11	-4.13

VHGEX vs. VGSTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VHGEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the VGSTX Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VHGEX and VGSTX, 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

VHGEX vs. VGSTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VHGEX drawdown since its inception was -64.81%, which is greater than VGSTX's maximum drawdown of -38.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VHGEX and VGSTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VHGEX	VGSTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.81%	-38.62%	-26.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.92%	-6.76%	-5.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.21%	-11.77%	-7.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.02%	-25.55%	-7.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.23%	-25.55%	-7.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.33%	-0.71%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.94%	-4.03%	-5.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.13%	1.57%	+1.56%

Volatility

VHGEX vs. VGSTX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Global Equity Fund (VHGEX) has a higher volatility of 5.57% compared to Vanguard STAR Fund (VGSTX) at 3.30%. This indicates that VHGEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGSTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VHGEX	VGSTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.57%	3.30%	+2.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.13%	7.24%	+4.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.20%	8.92%	+6.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.40%	11.89%	+6.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.08%	11.86%	+6.22%

VHGEX vs. VGSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VHGEX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VGSTX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

VHGEX vs. VGSTX - Dividend Comparison

VHGEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.64%, more than VGSTX's 8.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGSTX Vanguard STAR Fund	8.63%	9.13%	10.67%	5.35%	8.34%	6.70%	6.68%	6.07%	6.90%	3.32%	4.77%	5.62%
VHGEX Vanguard Global Equity Fund	11.64%	12.38%	4.24%	1.15%	11.32%	10.90%	2.88%	6.20%	8.45%	1.29%	1.51%	1.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VHGEX and VGSTX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VHGEX and VGSTX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VHGEX or VGSTX?

VHGEX has higher volatility (5.57%) compared to VGSTX (3.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VHGEX dropped -64.81% vs VGSTX's -38.62%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGSTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.44), 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.