VRTGX vs. SLYG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VRTGX (Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) and SLYG (SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VRTGX returned 11.89%/yr vs 11.75%/yr for SLYG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VRTGX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for SLYG.

Performance

VRTGX vs. SLYG - 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 SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VRTGX achieves a 20.80% return, which is significantly lower than SLYG's 21.87% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VRTGX having a 11.89% annualized return and SLYG not far behind at 11.75%.

VRTGX

• 1D: 2.59%
• 1M: 4.73%
• YTD: 20.80%
• 6M: 16.63%
• 1Y: 41.93%
• 3Y*: 18.49%
• 5Y*: 6.25%
• 10Y*: 11.89%

SLYG

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 6.00%
• YTD: 21.87%
• 6M: 17.87%
• 1Y: 34.08%
• 3Y*: 16.89%
• 5Y*: 6.59%
• 10Y*: 11.75%

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

VRTGX vs. SLYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VRTGX Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	20.80%	12.97%	15.26%	18.80%	-26.30%	2.82%	34.81%	28.84%	-9.21%	22.27%
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	21.87%	5.20%	9.38%	17.27%	-21.26%	22.42%	19.48%	20.97%	-4.20%	14.62%

Correlation

The correlation between VRTGX and SLYG is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.94

The correlation between VRTGX and SLYG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VRTGX vs. SLYG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRTGX

VRTGX Risk / Return Rank: 49
VRTGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VRTGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VRTGX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VRTGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VRTGX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

SLYG

SLYG Risk / Return Rank: 65
SLYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
SLYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
SLYG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SLYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
SLYG Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. SLYG - 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 SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG). 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.

	VRTGX	SLYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	1.91	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	2.78	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.33	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.83	3.76	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.14	13.24	-3.11

VRTGX vs. SLYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRTGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is comparable to the SLYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRTGX and SLYG, 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

VRTGX vs. SLYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRTGX drawdown since its inception was -41.97%, smaller than the maximum SLYG drawdown of -62.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRTGX and SLYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRTGX	SLYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.97%	-62.92%	+20.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.80%	-9.10%	-5.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.54%	-27.39%	-1.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.48%	-29.18%	-11.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.97%	-41.86%	-0.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.41%	-14.88%	+4.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.13%	2.58%	+1.55%

Volatility

VRTGX vs. SLYG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTGX) has a higher volatility of 8.00% compared to SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) at 5.21%. This indicates that VRTGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SLYG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRTGX	SLYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.00%	5.21%	+2.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.84%	12.96%	+3.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.20%	17.96%	+4.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.71%	21.56%	+3.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.59%	22.77%	+1.82%

VRTGX vs. SLYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRTGX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than SLYG's 0.15% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VRTGX vs. SLYG - Dividend Comparison

VRTGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.61%, less than SLYG's 0.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SLYG SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF	0.88%	0.86%	1.22%	1.18%	1.18%	0.68%	0.71%	1.08%	1.06%	4.74%	1.13%	5.75%
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 SLYG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, VRTGX and SLYG 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, VRTGX or SLYG?

VRTGX has higher volatility (8.00%) compared to SLYG (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRTGX dropped -41.97% vs SLYG's -62.92%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.89), 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.