VRTGX vs. ASMOX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VRTGX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) and ASMOX (AQR Small Cap Momentum Style Fund) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VRTGX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.61%/yr for ASMOX.

Performance

VRTGX vs. ASMOX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX) and AQR Small Cap Momentum Style Fund (ASMOX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VRTGX

• 1D: -1.36%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 16.85%
• 6M: 13.68%
• 1Y: 37.55%
• 3Y*: 18.22%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 10Y*: 11.40%

ASMOX

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VRTGX vs. ASMOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	16.85%	12.97%	15.26%	18.80%	-26.30%	2.82%	34.81%	28.84%	-9.21%	22.27%
ASMOX AQR Small Cap Momentum Style Fund	17.33%	16.87%	16.54%	18.37%	-19.56%	15.37%	25.76%	26.47%	-12.14%	17.43%

Correlation

The correlation between VRTGX and ASMOX is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
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 VRTGX and ASMOX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VRTGX vs. ASMOX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRTGX

VRTGX Risk / Return Rank: 39
VRTGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VRTGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VRTGX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
VRTGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VRTGX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

VRTGX vs. ASMOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX) and AQR Small Cap Momentum Style Fund (ASMOX). 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.

	VRTGX	ASMOX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.17	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VRTGX	ASMOX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.77	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	VRTGX	ASMOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.97%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.80%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.54%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.48%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.38%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.43%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.10%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VRTGX	ASMOX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.62%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.82%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.42%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.56%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.51%	—	—

VRTGX vs. ASMOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRTGX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than ASMOX's 0.61% expense ratio.

Dividends

VRTGX vs. ASMOX - Dividend Comparison

VRTGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.61%, less than ASMOX's 7.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ASMOX AQR Small Cap Momentum Style Fund	7.88%	8.12%	18.80%	3.92%	0.57%	24.81%	5.46%	4.38%	29.63%	9.90%	0.79%	1.23%
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.61%	0.57%	0.62%	0.85%	0.78%	0.54%	0.53%	0.90%	0.85%	0.75%	1.07%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRTGX and ASMOX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VRTGX and ASMOX 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.