VRGWX vs. TILIX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VRGWX (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) and TILIX (Nuveen Large Cap Growth Index Fund R6 Class) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds tracking the Russell 1000 Growth Index, from Vanguard and Nuveen respectively. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VRGWX returned 18.48%/yr vs 17.93%/yr for TILIX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.05% expense ratio.

Performance

VRGWX vs. TILIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) and Nuveen Large Cap Growth Index Fund R6 Class (TILIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VRGWX having a 4.75% return and TILIX slightly higher at 4.92%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VRGWX having a 18.48% annualized return and TILIX not far behind at 17.93%.

VRGWX

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 0.24%
• 6M: 5.31%
• YTD: 4.75%
• 1Y: 15.16%
• 3Y*: 21.40%
• 5Y*: 14.07%
• 10Y*: 18.48%

TILIX

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 0.44%
• 6M: 5.48%
• YTD: 4.92%
• 1Y: 15.26%
• 3Y*: 21.53%
• 5Y*: 13.28%
• 10Y*: 17.93%

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

VRGWX vs. TILIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.75%	18.32%	33.25%	42.65%	-29.18%	32.42%	38.38%	36.30%	-1.59%	30.11%
TILIX Nuveen Large Cap Growth Index Fund R6 Class	4.92%	18.41%	33.31%	42.64%	-29.22%	27.63%	38.43%	36.30%	-1.66%	28.49%

Correlation

The correlation between VRGWX and TILIX is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	1.00

The correlation between VRGWX and TILIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VRGWX vs. TILIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRGWX

VRGWX Risk / Return Rank: 17
VRGWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
VRGWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
VRGWX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
VRGWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
VRGWX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

TILIX

TILIX Risk / Return Rank: 17
TILIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
TILIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
TILIX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
TILIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
TILIX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

VRGWX vs. TILIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) and Nuveen Large Cap Growth Index Fund R6 Class (TILIX). 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.

	VRGWX	TILIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.93	0.94	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.35	1.37	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.17	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.96	0.97	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.05	3.06	-0.01

VRGWX vs. TILIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRGWX Sharpe Ratio is 0.93, which is comparable to the TILIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRGWX and TILIX, 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

VRGWX vs. TILIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRGWX drawdown since its inception was -32.70%, smaller than the maximum TILIX drawdown of -50.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRGWX and TILIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRGWX	TILIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.70%	-50.54%	+17.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.19%	-16.24%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.44%	-23.33%	-0.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.70%	-32.68%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.70%	-32.68%	-0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.90%	-3.73%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.88%	-7.72%	+2.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.11%	5.14%	-0.03%

Volatility

VRGWX vs. TILIX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) and Nuveen Large Cap Growth Index Fund R6 Class (TILIX) have volatilities of 6.45% and 6.33%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRGWX	TILIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.45%	6.33%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.48%	13.42%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.78%	16.77%	+0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.85%	21.70%	+0.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.23%	21.16%	+0.07%

VRGWX vs. TILIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VRGWX and TILIX 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

VRGWX vs. TILIX - Dividend Comparison

VRGWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.47%, less than TILIX's 4.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TILIX Nuveen Large Cap Growth Index Fund R6 Class	4.20%	4.41%	3.25%	1.90%	11.00%	8.76%	1.91%	2.38%	4.01%	0.68%	1.33%	1.32%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.47%	0.35%	0.56%	0.71%	0.99%	4.18%	0.77%	1.03%	1.22%	1.22%	1.52%	1.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRGWX and TILIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VRGWX and TILIX 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, VRGWX or TILIX?

VRGWX has higher volatility (6.45%) compared to TILIX (6.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRGWX dropped -32.70% vs TILIX's -50.54%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TILIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.94 vs 0.93), 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.