VMGRX vs. VLCAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VMGRX (Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund) and VLCAX (Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VMGRX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities 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, VMGRX returned 10.76%/yr vs 15.78%/yr for VLCAX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VMGRX charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VLCAX.

Performance

VMGRX vs. VLCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund (VMGRX) 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, VMGRX achieves a 3.94% return, which is significantly lower than VLCAX's 9.50% return. Over the past 10 years, VMGRX has underperformed VLCAX with an annualized return of 10.76%, while VLCAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.78% annualized return.

VMGRX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 3.36%
• YTD: 3.94%
• 6M: 2.01%
• 1Y: 9.47%
• 3Y*: 13.67%
• 5Y*: 3.23%
• 10Y*: 10.76%

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)

VMGRX vs. VLCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMGRX Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund	3.94%	8.80%	17.73%	24.15%	-30.13%	9.21%	33.40%	32.06%	-3.52%	21.60%
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 VMGRX and VLCAX is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.90

The correlation between VMGRX and VLCAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

VMGRX vs. VLCAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VMGRX	VLCAX
Technology	25.5%	39.5%
Consumer Cyclical	22.2%	9.7%
Industrials	17.9%	7.9%
Communication Services	15.3%	10.8%
Healthcare	8.1%	8.4%
Financial Services	4.2%	11.0%
Energy	3.3%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	4.4%
Utilities	2.0%	2.0%
Real Estate	1.6%	1.6%
Basic Materials	1.4%	1.5%

Return for Risk

VMGRX vs. VLCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMGRX

VMGRX Risk / Return Rank: 7
VMGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
VMGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VMGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VMGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
VMGRX 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.

VMGRX vs. VLCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund (VMGRX) 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.

	VMGRX	VLCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.53	2.10	-1.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.85	2.85	-2.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.38	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.55	2.88	-2.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.72	12.80	-11.09

VMGRX vs. VLCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMGRX Sharpe Ratio is 0.53, which is lower than the VLCAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMGRX 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

VMGRX vs. VLCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMGRX drawdown since its inception was -71.74%, which is greater than VLCAX's maximum drawdown of -54.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMGRX and VLCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMGRX	VLCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.74%	-54.76%	-16.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.09%	-9.19%	-9.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.85%	-19.01%	-7.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.71%	-25.65%	-14.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.71%	-33.97%	-5.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-1.78%	+1.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.45%	-6.85%	-17.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.15%	2.06%	+4.09%

Volatility

VMGRX vs. VLCAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund (VMGRX) has a higher volatility of 7.75% compared to Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLCAX) at 4.79%. This indicates that VMGRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VLCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMGRX	VLCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.75%	4.79%	+2.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.51%	9.92%	+6.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.11%	12.60%	+7.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.43%	17.25%	+6.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.41%	18.25%	+4.16%

VMGRX vs. VLCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMGRX has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than VLCAX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMGRX vs. VLCAX - Dividend Comparison

VMGRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.07%, 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%
VMGRX Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth Fund	17.07%	17.74%	1.80%	0.39%	0.26%	34.53%	6.30%	10.43%	14.53%	3.13%	0.67%	8.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMGRX and VLCAX in my portfolio?

VMGRX and VLCAX have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMGRX or VLCAX?

VMGRX has higher volatility (7.75%) compared to VLCAX (4.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMGRX dropped -71.74% vs VLCAX's -54.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLCAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 0.53), 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.