VRGWX vs. VWUAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VRGWX (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VWUAX (Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VRGWX returned 19.22%/yr vs 16.19%/yr for VWUAX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VRGWX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for VWUAX.

Performance

VRGWX vs. VWUAX - 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 Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWUAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VRGWX achieves a 8.59% return, which is significantly higher than VWUAX's 4.81% return. Over the past 10 years, VRGWX has outperformed VWUAX with an annualized return of 19.22%, while VWUAX has yielded a comparatively lower 16.19% annualized return.

VRGWX

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 7.10%
• YTD: 8.59%
• 6M: 7.96%
• 1Y: 27.42%
• 3Y*: 25.44%
• 5Y*: 16.84%
• 10Y*: 19.22%

VWUAX

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 5.92%
• YTD: 4.81%
• 6M: 3.39%
• 1Y: 17.83%
• 3Y*: 22.40%
• 5Y*: 7.20%
• 10Y*: 16.19%

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

VRGWX vs. VWUAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	8.59%	18.32%	33.25%	42.65%	-29.18%	32.42%	38.38%	36.30%	-1.59%	30.11%
VWUAX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares	4.81%	15.49%	31.79%	45.32%	-39.58%	2.43%	58.80%	48.42%	0.77%	31.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VRGWX and VWUAX 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	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2010	0.97

The correlation between VRGWX and VWUAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VRGWX vs. VWUAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRGWX

VRGWX Risk / Return Rank: 32
VRGWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
VRGWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VRGWX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VRGWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
VRGWX Martin Ratio Rank: 23

VWUAX

VWUAX Risk / Return Rank: 13
VWUAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
VWUAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
VWUAX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
VWUAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
VWUAX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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. VWUAX - 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 Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWUAX). 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.

	VRGWX	VWUAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	1.11	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	1.58	+0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.20	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.75	0.97	+0.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.89	2.88	+3.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VRGWX vs. VWUAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRGWX Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is higher than the VWUAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRGWX and VWUAX, 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

	VRGWX	VWUAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.85	1.11	+0.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.29	+0.49
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91	0.69	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.90	0.41	+0.49

Drawdowns

VRGWX vs. VWUAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRGWX drawdown since its inception was -32.70%, smaller than the maximum VWUAX drawdown of -50.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRGWX and VWUAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRGWX	VWUAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.70%	-50.37%	+17.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.19%	-19.12%	+2.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.44%	-25.01%	+1.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.70%	-50.17%	+17.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.70%	-50.17%	+17.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.37%	-0.76%	+0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.88%	-12.82%	+7.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.81%	6.41%	-1.60%

Volatility

VRGWX vs. VWUAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) is 3.32%, while Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares (VWUAX) has a volatility of 3.66%. This indicates that VRGWX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VWUAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRGWX	VWUAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.32%	3.66%	-0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.60%	12.49%	-0.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.40%	16.60%	-1.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.62%	24.93%	-3.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.16%	23.71%	-2.55%

VRGWX vs. VWUAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRGWX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VWUAX's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

VRGWX vs. VWUAX - Dividend Comparison

VRGWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%, less than VWUAX's 9.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.43%	0.35%	0.56%	0.71%	0.99%	4.18%	0.77%	1.03%	1.22%	1.22%	1.52%	1.51%
VWUAX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Admiral Shares	9.06%	9.50%	4.70%	0.37%	0.49%	3.60%	4.00%	13.28%	9.80%	4.63%	1.67%	9.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRGWX and VWUAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VRGWX and VWUAX 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 VWUAX?

VWUAX has higher volatility (3.66%) compared to VRGWX (3.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRGWX dropped -32.70% vs VWUAX's -50.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRGWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.11), 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.