VLACX vs. VASGX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VLACX (Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund) and VASGX (Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund) are both mutual funds - VLACX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VASGX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VLACX returned 15.57%/yr vs 11.05%/yr for VASGX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VLACX charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for VASGX.

Performance

VLACX vs. VASGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund (VLACX) and Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund (VASGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLACX achieves a 9.44% return, which is significantly lower than VASGX's 10.19% return. Over the past 10 years, VLACX has outperformed VASGX with an annualized return of 15.57%, while VASGX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.05% annualized return.

VLACX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 9.44%
• 6M: 8.44%
• 1Y: 25.00%
• 3Y*: 21.20%
• 5Y*: 12.85%
• 10Y*: 15.57%

VASGX

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 10.19%
• 6M: 9.63%
• 1Y: 23.77%
• 3Y*: 17.41%
• 5Y*: 8.92%
• 10Y*: 11.05%

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

VLACX vs. VASGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLACX Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund	9.44%	17.60%	24.61%	27.10%	-19.78%	26.87%	20.88%	31.22%	-4.60%	21.89%
VASGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund	10.19%	19.65%	12.95%	18.76%	-17.21%	14.35%	15.45%	23.14%	-6.89%	19.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VLACX and VASGX is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.97

The correlation between VLACX and VASGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VLACX vs. VASGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLACX

VLACX Risk / Return Rank: 60
VLACX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VLACX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VLACX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VLACX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VLACX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

VASGX

VASGX Risk / Return Rank: 70
VASGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VASGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VASGX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VASGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VASGX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

VLACX vs. VASGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund (VLACX) and Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund (VASGX). 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.

	VLACX	VASGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	2.25	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	3.11	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.42	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.85	3.03	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.69	13.08	-0.39

VLACX vs. VASGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLACX Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the VASGX Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLACX and VASGX, 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

VLACX vs. VASGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLACX drawdown since its inception was -54.81%, which is greater than VASGX's maximum drawdown of -51.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLACX and VASGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLACX	VASGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.81%	-51.16%	-3.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.22%	-8.17%	-1.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.27%	-12.89%	-6.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.72%	-24.43%	-1.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.97%	-28.53%	-5.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.79%	-0.60%	-1.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.91%	-7.24%	+0.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	1.89%	+0.18%

Volatility

VLACX vs. VASGX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund (VLACX) has a higher volatility of 4.79% compared to Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund (VASGX) at 4.37%. This indicates that VLACX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VASGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLACX	VASGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.79%	4.37%	+0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.91%	9.11%	+0.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.60%	11.00%	+1.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.26%	12.88%	+4.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.25%	13.52%	+4.73%

VLACX vs. VASGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLACX has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is higher than VASGX's 0.14% 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

VLACX vs. VASGX - Dividend Comparison

VLACX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, less than VASGX's 3.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VASGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund	3.72%	4.09%	6.15%	3.00%	2.10%	3.54%	3.54%	2.34%	4.36%	2.13%	2.23%	4.54%
VLACX Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund	0.87%	0.71%	0.86%	1.30%	1.51%	1.07%	1.35%	1.72%	1.95%	1.64%	1.87%	1.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLACX and VASGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VLACX and VASGX 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, VLACX or VASGX?

VLACX has higher volatility (4.79%) compared to VASGX (4.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLACX dropped -54.81% vs VASGX's -51.16%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VASGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 2.09), 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.