VLIFX vs. TGFRX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VLIFX (Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund) and TGFRX (Tanaka Growth Fund) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VLIFX returned 11.63%/yr vs 15.19%/yr for TGFRX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VLIFX charges 1.07%/yr vs 2.19%/yr for TGFRX.

Performance

VLIFX vs. TGFRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund (VLIFX) and Tanaka Growth Fund (TGFRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLIFX achieves a 1.39% return, which is significantly lower than TGFRX's 15.55% return. Over the past 10 years, VLIFX has underperformed TGFRX with an annualized return of 11.63%, while TGFRX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.19% annualized return.

VLIFX

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 1.15%
• 6M: -1.88%
• YTD: 1.39%
• 1Y: 0.49%
• 3Y*: 6.31%
• 5Y*: 5.76%
• 10Y*: 11.63%

TGFRX

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: 2.71%
• 6M: 8.86%
• YTD: 15.55%
• 1Y: 45.51%
• 3Y*: 28.99%
• 5Y*: 14.62%
• 10Y*: 15.19%

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

VLIFX vs. TGFRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLIFX Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund	1.39%	0.79%	7.59%	22.11%	-9.60%	19.76%	19.96%	35.30%	4.65%	19.85%
TGFRX Tanaka Growth Fund	15.55%	39.56%	17.98%	50.24%	-22.62%	26.54%	50.87%	18.78%	-25.18%	7.28%

Correlation

The correlation between VLIFX and TGFRX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 1999	0.73

Over the past year, the correlation between VLIFX and TGFRX has dropped to 0.49 - well below their long-term average of 0.73, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VLIFX vs. TGFRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLIFX

VLIFX Risk / Return Rank: 3
VLIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
VLIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
VLIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
VLIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VLIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

TGFRX

TGFRX Risk / Return Rank: 49
TGFRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
TGFRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
TGFRX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
TGFRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
TGFRX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

VLIFX vs. TGFRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund (VLIFX) and Tanaka Growth Fund (TGFRX). 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.

	VLIFX	TGFRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	1.49	-1.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.06	2.06	-2.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.26	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	2.83	-2.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.08	7.05	-7.13

VLIFX vs. TGFRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLIFX Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the TGFRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLIFX and TGFRX, 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

VLIFX vs. TGFRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLIFX drawdown since its inception was -61.48%, smaller than the maximum TGFRX drawdown of -74.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLIFX and TGFRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLIFX	TGFRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.48%	-74.43%	+12.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.81%	-16.01%	+4.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.66%	-61.68%	+44.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.91%	-61.68%	+39.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.51%	-61.68%	+26.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.20%	-28.94%	+22.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.64%	-29.60%	+13.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.34%	6.41%	-2.07%

Volatility

VLIFX vs. TGFRX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund (VLIFX) is 2.91%, while Tanaka Growth Fund (TGFRX) has a volatility of 8.14%. This indicates that VLIFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TGFRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLIFX	TGFRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.91%	8.14%	-5.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.05%	22.73%	-12.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.50%	30.49%	-16.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.87%	62.18%	-45.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.81%	47.44%	-29.63%

VLIFX vs. TGFRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLIFX has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is lower than TGFRX's 2.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLIFX vs. TGFRX - Dividend Comparison

VLIFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.13%, less than TGFRX's 11.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
TGFRX Tanaka Growth Fund	11.27%	13.02%	6.89%	0.00%	0.11%	7.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VLIFX Value Line Mid Cap Focused Fund	2.13%	2.16%	0.99%	0.03%	7.22%	8.23%	7.81%	1.42%	5.12%	1.61%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLIFX and TGFRX in my portfolio?

VLIFX and TGFRX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLIFX or TGFRX?

TGFRX has higher volatility (8.14%) compared to VLIFX (2.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLIFX dropped -61.48% vs TGFRX's -74.43%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TGFRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs -0.03), 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.