VSGAX vs. VSGIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSGAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VSGIX (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VSGAX returned 11.85%/yr vs 11.86%/yr for VSGIX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSGAX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VSGIX.

Performance

VSGAX vs. VSGIX - 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 Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSGIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VSGAX having a 18.73% return and VSGIX slightly higher at 18.74%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VSGAX having a 11.85% annualized return and VSGIX not far ahead at 11.86%.

VSGAX

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 6.06%
• YTD: 18.73%
• 6M: 18.15%
• 1Y: 34.11%
• 3Y*: 18.13%
• 5Y*: 6.11%
• 10Y*: 11.85%

VSGIX

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 6.06%
• YTD: 18.74%
• 6M: 18.16%
• 1Y: 34.12%
• 3Y*: 18.14%
• 5Y*: 6.12%
• 10Y*: 11.86%

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

VSGAX vs. VSGIX - 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%
VSGIX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	18.74%	8.44%	14.95%	23.07%	-28.39%	5.70%	35.29%	32.77%	-5.70%	21.94%

Correlation

The correlation between VSGAX and VSGIX is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2011	1.00

The correlation between VSGAX and VSGIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

VSGAX vs. VSGIX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSGAX	VSGIX
Technology	25.9%	25.9%
Industrials	24.7%	24.7%
Healthcare	15.3%	15.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	9.6%
Financial Services	5.6%	5.6%
Energy	4.8%	4.8%
Real Estate	3.9%	3.9%
Communication Services	3.5%	3.5%
Basic Materials	3.2%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	2.4%
Utilities	1.2%	1.2%

Return for Risk

VSGAX vs. VSGIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSGAX

VSGAX Risk / Return Rank: 48
VSGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VSGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VSGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VSGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VSGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

VSGIX

VSGIX Risk / Return Rank: 48
VSGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VSGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VSGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VSGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VSGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. VSGIX - 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 Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSGIX). 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.

	VSGAX	VSGIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.86	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.56	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.31	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.18	3.17	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.10	12.10	0.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSGAX vs. VSGIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSGAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the VSGIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSGAX and VSGIX, 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

	VSGAX	VSGIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.86	1.86	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26	0.26	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	0.52	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.58	0.41	+0.17

Drawdowns

VSGAX vs. VSGIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSGAX drawdown since its inception was -38.70%, smaller than the maximum VSGIX drawdown of -58.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSGAX and VSGIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSGAX	VSGIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.70%	-58.66%	+19.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.37%	-11.38%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.47%	-27.47%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.36%	-38.36%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.70%	-38.70%	0.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.55%	-11.34%	+2.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	2.98%	0.00%

Volatility

VSGAX vs. VSGIX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSGIX) have volatilities of 5.28% and 5.28%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSGAX	VSGIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.28%	5.28%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.85%	14.85%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.45%	19.45%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.56%	23.56%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.00%	22.98%	+0.02%

VSGAX vs. VSGIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSGAX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VSGIX's 0.06% expense ratio. However, 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. VSGIX - Dividend Comparison

VSGAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%, less than VSGIX's 0.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VSGIX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.45%	0.55%	0.55%	0.68%	0.56%	0.37%	0.45%	0.58%	0.80%	0.82%	1.09%	0.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSGAX and VSGIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VSGAX and VSGIX 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, VSGAX or VSGIX?

VSGIX has higher volatility (5.28%) compared to VSGAX (5.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSGAX dropped -38.70% vs VSGIX's -58.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.86), 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.