VLGIX vs. VLCAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VLGIX (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VLCAX (Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VLGIX is a Government Bonds fund managed by Vanguard, while VLCAX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, VLGIX returned -1.18%/yr vs 15.78%/yr for VLCAX. At a correlation of -0.24, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.05% expense ratio.

Performance

VLGIX vs. VLCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares (VLGIX) and Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLGIX achieves a 0.12% return, which is significantly lower than VLCAX's 9.50% return. Over the past 10 years, VLGIX has underperformed VLCAX with an annualized return of -1.18%, while VLCAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.78% annualized return.

VLGIX

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 0.12%
• 6M: 0.20%
• 1Y: 3.92%
• 3Y*: -0.66%
• 5Y*: -5.52%
• 10Y*: -1.18%

VLCAX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 9.50%
• 6M: 8.50%
• 1Y: 25.15%
• 3Y*: 21.58%
• 5Y*: 13.11%
• 10Y*: 15.78%

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

VLGIX vs. VLCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLGIX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.12%	5.46%	-6.11%	3.67%	-29.45%	-5.06%	17.72%	14.31%	-1.59%	8.64%
VLCAX Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.50%	18.09%	25.10%	27.26%	-19.69%	27.02%	21.03%	31.39%	-4.49%	22.02%

Correlation

The correlation between VLGIX and VLCAX is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.18
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.07
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 23, 2009	-0.24

The correlation between VLGIX and VLCAX shifts across timeframes, from -0.24 (all time) to 0.25 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VLGIX vs. VLCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLGIX

VLGIX Risk / Return Rank: 7
VLGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
VLGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
VLGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
VLGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
VLGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

VLCAX

VLCAX Risk / Return Rank: 61
VLCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VLCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VLCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VLCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VLCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

VLGIX vs. VLCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares (VLGIX) and Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLCAX). 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.

	VLGIX	VLCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.50	2.10	-1.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.78	2.85	-2.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.38	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.62	2.88	-2.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.53	12.80	-11.27

VLGIX vs. VLCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLGIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.50, which is lower than the VLCAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLGIX and VLCAX, 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

VLGIX vs. VLCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLGIX drawdown since its inception was -46.23%, smaller than the maximum VLCAX drawdown of -54.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLGIX and VLCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLGIX	VLCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.23%	-54.76%	+8.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.99%	-9.19%	+2.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.65%	-19.01%	+1.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.00%	-25.65%	-15.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.23%	-33.97%	-12.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.19%	-1.78%	-34.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.09%	-6.85%	-8.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.82%	2.06%	+0.76%

Volatility

VLGIX vs. VLCAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares (VLGIX) is 2.14%, while Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLCAX) has a volatility of 4.79%. This indicates that VLGIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VLCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLGIX	VLCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.14%	4.79%	-2.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.14%	9.92%	-3.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.69%	12.60%	-3.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.52%	17.25%	-2.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.72%	18.25%	-4.53%

VLGIX vs. VLCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VLGIX and VLCAX have an expense ratio of 0.05%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VLGIX vs. VLCAX - Dividend Comparison

VLGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.57%, more than VLCAX's 0.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VLCAX Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.98%	1.08%	1.23%	1.40%	1.66%	1.18%	1.45%	1.80%	2.08%	1.75%	1.98%	1.96%
VLGIX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.57%	4.43%	4.67%	3.31%	2.83%	1.78%	2.15%	2.46%	2.73%	2.57%	2.70%	2.82%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLGIX and VLCAX in my portfolio?

VLGIX and VLCAX have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLGIX or VLCAX?

VLCAX has higher volatility (4.79%) compared to VLGIX (2.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLGIX dropped -46.23% vs VLCAX's -54.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLCAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 0.50), 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.