VSGAX vs. VPADX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VSGAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VPADX (Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VSGAX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index, while VPADX is a Asia Pacific Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VSGAX returned 12.20%/yr vs 11.35%/yr for VPADX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VSGAX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VPADX.

Performance

VSGAX vs. VPADX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) and Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VPADX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSGAX achieves a 18.73% return, which is significantly lower than VPADX's 32.69% return. Over the past 10 years, VSGAX has outperformed VPADX with an annualized return of 12.20%, while VPADX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.35% annualized return.

VSGAX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 18.73%
• 6M: 15.71%
• 1Y: 32.48%
• 3Y*: 18.20%
• 5Y*: 5.11%
• 10Y*: 12.20%

VPADX

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 7.11%
• YTD: 32.69%
• 6M: 32.92%
• 1Y: 56.43%
• 3Y*: 24.34%
• 5Y*: 11.27%
• 10Y*: 11.35%

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

VSGAX vs. VPADX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	18.73%	8.44%	14.94%	23.04%	-28.39%	5.70%	35.26%	32.76%	-5.69%	21.92%
VPADX Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares	32.69%	33.15%	1.24%	15.55%	-15.24%	1.46%	16.56%	17.57%	-13.92%	28.62%

Correlation

The correlation between VSGAX and VPADX is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2011	0.68

The correlation between VSGAX and VPADX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

VSGAX vs. VPADX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSGAX	VPADX
Technology	27.2%	22.6%
Industrials	24.6%	20.5%
Healthcare	14.4%	5.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	9.6%
Financial Services	5.4%	19.3%
Energy	4.4%	1.6%
Real Estate	3.5%	4.3%
Communication Services	3.0%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	3.5%
Basic Materials	2.7%	7.3%
Utilities	1.3%	1.6%

Return for Risk

VSGAX vs. VPADX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSGAX

VSGAX Risk / Return Rank: 46
VSGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VSGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VSGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
VSGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VSGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

VPADX

VPADX Risk / Return Rank: 87
VPADX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
VPADX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
VPADX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VPADX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
VPADX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

VSGAX vs. VPADX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) and Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VPADX). 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.

	VSGAX	VPADX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	2.82	-1.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	3.51	-1.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.52	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	4.28	-1.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.00	16.00	-5.00

VSGAX vs. VPADX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSGAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is lower than the VPADX Sharpe Ratio of 2.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSGAX and VPADX, 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

VSGAX vs. VPADX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSGAX drawdown since its inception was -38.70%, smaller than the maximum VPADX drawdown of -55.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSGAX and VPADX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSGAX	VPADX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.70%	-55.28%	+16.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.37%	-13.41%	+2.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.47%	-16.37%	-11.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.36%	-31.17%	-7.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.70%	-33.67%	-5.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.53%	-11.73%	+3.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	3.58%	-0.54%

Volatility

VSGAX vs. VPADX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) is 6.93%, while Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VPADX) has a volatility of 10.05%. This indicates that VSGAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VPADX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSGAX	VPADX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.93%	10.05%	-3.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.80%	17.54%	-1.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.31%	20.43%	-0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.70%	16.91%	+6.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.08%	16.45%	+6.63%

VSGAX vs. VPADX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSGAX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VPADX's 0.10% 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

VSGAX vs. VPADX - Dividend Comparison

VSGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, less than VPADX's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VPADX Vanguard Pacific Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.51%	3.99%	3.13%	3.09%	2.73%	3.15%	1.79%	2.83%	3.03%	2.57%	2.65%	2.43%
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.44%	0.54%	0.54%	0.67%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.81%	1.08%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSGAX and VPADX in my portfolio?

VSGAX and VPADX have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSGAX or VPADX?

VPADX has higher volatility (10.05%) compared to VSGAX (6.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSGAX dropped -38.70% vs VPADX's -55.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPADX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.82 vs 1.65), 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.