VLACX vs. VWELX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VLACX (Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund) and VWELX (Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares) are both mutual funds - VLACX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VWELX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VLACX returned 15.36%/yr vs 10.12%/yr for VWELX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VLACX charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for VWELX.

Performance

VLACX vs. VWELX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLACX achieves a 10.60% return, which is significantly higher than VWELX's 6.39% return. Over the past 10 years, VLACX has outperformed VWELX with an annualized return of 15.36%, while VWELX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.12% annualized return.

VLACX

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 10.60%
• 6M: 10.39%
• 1Y: 27.52%
• 3Y*: 22.28%
• 5Y*: 13.26%
• 10Y*: 15.36%

VWELX

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: 2.71%
• YTD: 6.39%
• 6M: 6.66%
• 1Y: 19.88%
• 3Y*: 15.35%
• 5Y*: 8.69%
• 10Y*: 10.12%

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

VLACX vs. VWELX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLACX Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund	10.60%	17.60%	24.61%	27.10%	-19.78%	26.87%	20.88%	31.22%	-4.60%	21.89%
VWELX Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares	6.39%	16.54%	14.73%	14.29%	-14.36%	18.99%	10.57%	22.51%	-3.43%	13.98%

Correlation

The correlation between VLACX and VWELX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.95

The correlation between VLACX and VWELX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VLACX vs. VWELX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLACX

VLACX Risk / Return Rank: 62
VLACX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VLACX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VLACX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VLACX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VLACX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VWELX

VWELX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VWELX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VWELX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VWELX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VWELX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VWELX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. VWELX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VLACX	VWELX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	2.41	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	3.40	-0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.45	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	2.99	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.79	13.88	-0.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VLACX vs. VWELX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLACX Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is comparable to the VWELX Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLACX and VWELX, 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

	VLACX	VWELX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32	2.41	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.78	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85	0.88	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.84	-0.27

Drawdowns

VLACX vs. VWELX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLACX drawdown since its inception was -54.81%, which is greater than VWELX's maximum drawdown of -36.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLACX and VWELX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLACX	VWELX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.81%	-36.12%	-18.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.22%	-6.78%	-2.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.27%	-11.98%	-7.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.72%	-20.88%	-4.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.97%	-25.33%	-8.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-0.67%	-0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.92%	-3.92%	-3.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	1.46%	+0.54%

Volatility

VLACX vs. VWELX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund (VLACX) has a higher volatility of 2.91% compared to Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX) at 2.61%. This indicates that VLACX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VWELX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLACX	VWELX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.91%	2.61%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.03%	6.68%	+2.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.95%	8.41%	+3.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.16%	11.14%	+6.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.20%	11.53%	+6.67%

VLACX vs. VWELX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLACX has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than VWELX's 0.24% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. VWELX - Dividend Comparison

VLACX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.86%, less than VWELX's 10.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VLACX Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund	0.86%	0.71%	0.86%	1.30%	1.51%	1.07%	1.35%	1.72%	1.95%	1.64%	1.87%	1.84%
VWELX Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares	10.83%	11.46%	10.76%	6.01%	8.19%	8.64%	7.77%	4.67%	9.49%	5.82%	4.44%	7.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLACX and VWELX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VLACX and VWELX 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 VWELX?

VLACX has higher volatility (2.91%) compared to VWELX (2.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLACX dropped -54.81% vs VWELX's -36.12%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWELX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 2.32), 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.