VSCGX vs. VSMGX
VSCGX (Vanguard LifeStrategy 40/60 Fund) and VSMGX (Vanguard LifeStrategy 60/40 Fund) are both mutual funds - VSCGX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Vanguard, while VSMGX is a Allocation--50% to 70% Equity fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VSCGX returned 6.72%/yr vs 9.07%/yr for VSMGX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.10% expense ratio.
Performance
VSCGX vs. VSMGX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VSCGX achieves a 5.32% return, which is significantly lower than VSMGX's 7.75% return. Over the past 10 years, VSCGX has underperformed VSMGX with an annualized return of 6.72%, while VSMGX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.07% annualized return.
VSCGX
- 1D
- -0.22%
- 1M
- 1.06%
- YTD
- 5.32%
- 6M
- 5.13%
- 1Y
- 13.40%
- 3Y*
- 12.15%
- 5Y*
- 5.43%
- 10Y*
- 6.72%
VSMGX
- 1D
- -0.19%
- 1M
- 1.25%
- YTD
- 7.75%
- 6M
- 7.38%
- 1Y
- 18.53%
- 3Y*
- 15.70%
- 5Y*
- 7.72%
- 10Y*
- 9.07%
VSCGX vs. VSMGX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSCGX Vanguard LifeStrategy 40/60 Fund | 5.32% | 12.87% | 11.65% | 12.72% | -15.00% | 6.04% | 11.51% | 15.69% | -2.95% | 10.02% |
VSMGX Vanguard LifeStrategy 60/40 Fund | 7.75% | 16.26% | 15.03% | 15.70% | -16.01% | 10.08% | 13.59% | 19.37% | -4.91% | 13.66% |
Correlation
The correlation between VSCGX and VSMGX is 0.99 - 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 | 0.99 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 1994 | 0.98 |
The correlation between VSCGX and VSMGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
VSCGX vs. VSMGX — Risk / Return Rank
VSCGX
VSMGX
VSCGX vs. VSMGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard LifeStrategy 40/60 Fund (VSCGX) and Vanguard LifeStrategy 60/40 Fund (VSMGX). 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.
| VSCGX | VSMGX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.07 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.02 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.41 | 1.42 | 0.00 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.70 | 2.90 | -0.21 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.58 | 12.43 | -0.86 |
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Drawdowns
VSCGX vs. VSMGX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VSCGX drawdown since its inception was -30.62%, smaller than the maximum VSMGX drawdown of -41.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSCGX and VSMGX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VSCGX | VSMGX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -30.62% | -41.13% | +10.51% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -5.19% | -6.64% | +1.45% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -6.71% | -9.62% | +2.91% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.15% | -22.29% | +2.14% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -20.15% | -22.43% | +2.28% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.31% | -0.45% | +0.14% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.99% | -4.83% | +1.84% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.21% | 1.55% | -0.34% |
Volatility
VSCGX vs. VSMGX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard LifeStrategy 40/60 Fund (VSCGX) is 2.58%, while Vanguard LifeStrategy 60/40 Fund (VSMGX) has a volatility of 3.47%. This indicates that VSCGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSMGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| VSCGX | VSMGX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.58% | 3.47% | -0.89% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 5.53% | 7.30% | -1.77% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 6.54% | 8.73% | -2.19% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 7.76% | 10.27% | -2.51% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 7.40% | 10.40% | -3.00% |
VSCGX vs. VSMGX - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both VSCGX and VSMGX have an expense ratio of 0.10%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
VSCGX vs. VSMGX - Dividend Comparison
VSCGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.26%, more than VSMGX's 4.87% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSCGX Vanguard LifeStrategy 40/60 Fund | 5.26% | 5.50% | 11.03% | 5.23% | 2.79% | 4.18% | 3.28% | 2.62% | 3.81% | 1.65% | 2.43% | 3.21% |
VSMGX Vanguard LifeStrategy 60/40 Fund | 4.87% | 5.25% | 11.49% | 4.01% | 2.66% | 3.86% | 3.46% | 2.52% | 4.11% | 1.09% | 2.26% | 3.89% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.99, VSCGX and VSMGX 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.
VSMGX has higher volatility (3.47%) compared to VSCGX (2.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSCGX dropped -30.62% vs VSMGX's -41.13%.
VSMGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 2.14), 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.
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