VSMGX vs. GAA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSMGX (Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund) and GAA (Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, VSMGX returned 8.90%/yr vs 7.72%/yr for GAA. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VSMGX charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for GAA.

Performance

VSMGX vs. GAA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX) and Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSMGX achieves a 8.24% return, which is significantly lower than GAA's 9.39% return. Over the past 10 years, VSMGX has outperformed GAA with an annualized return of 8.90%, while GAA has yielded a comparatively lower 7.72% annualized return.

VSMGX

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 8.24%
• 6M: 8.79%
• 1Y: 19.95%
• 3Y*: 16.07%
• 5Y*: 7.92%
• 10Y*: 8.90%

GAA

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 9.39%
• 6M: 11.23%
• 1Y: 22.62%
• 3Y*: 14.43%
• 5Y*: 6.37%
• 10Y*: 7.72%

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

VSMGX vs. GAA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSMGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund	8.24%	16.26%	15.03%	15.70%	-16.01%	10.08%	13.59%	19.37%	-4.91%	13.66%
GAA Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF	9.39%	18.76%	6.67%	7.65%	-8.47%	11.17%	9.11%	15.12%	-7.15%	15.11%

Correlation

The correlation between VSMGX and GAA 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	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2014	0.66

The correlation between VSMGX and GAA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

VSMGX vs. GAA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSMGX	GAA
Technology	27.3%	8.7%
Financial Services	16.1%	17.5%
Industrials	12.4%	14.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	8.5%
Healthcare	8.3%	3.2%
Communication Services	8.0%	4.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	3.5%
Energy	4.3%	13.2%
Basic Materials	4.3%	9.7%
Utilities	2.7%	3.8%
Real Estate	2.5%	13.9%

Return for Risk

VSMGX vs. GAA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSMGX

VSMGX Risk / Return Rank: 69
VSMGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VSMGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
VSMGX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VSMGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VSMGX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

GAA

GAA Risk / Return Rank: 76
GAA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
GAA Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
GAA Omega Ratio Rank: 76
GAA Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
GAA Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

VSMGX vs. GAA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX) and Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA). 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.

	VSMGX	GAA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	2.48	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.51	3.50	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.46	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.05	3.93	-0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.33	15.04	-1.71
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSMGX vs. GAA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSMGX Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is comparable to the GAA Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSMGX and GAA, 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

	VSMGX	GAA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.47	2.48	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.57	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86	0.70	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.63	+0.06

Drawdowns

VSMGX vs. GAA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSMGX drawdown since its inception was -41.13%, which is greater than GAA's maximum drawdown of -26.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSMGX and GAA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSMGX	GAA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.13%	-26.57%	-14.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.64%	-5.78%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.62%	-7.18%	-2.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.29%	-18.47%	-3.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.43%	-26.57%	+4.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.66%	+0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.84%	-3.85%	-0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.51%	1.51%	0.00%

Volatility

VSMGX vs. GAA - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX) and Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA) have volatilities of 2.65% and 2.60%, 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

	VSMGX	GAA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.65%	2.60%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.65%	7.41%	-0.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.19%	9.19%	-1.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.18%	11.28%	-1.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.36%	11.09%	-0.73%

VSMGX vs. GAA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSMGX has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than GAA's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSMGX vs. GAA - Dividend Comparison

VSMGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.85%, more than GAA's 3.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GAA Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF	3.59%	4.24%	3.88%	3.73%	6.05%	4.21%	2.73%	3.32%	3.01%	2.36%	2.82%	2.49%
VSMGX Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund	4.85%	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

Can I hold both VSMGX and GAA in my portfolio?

VSMGX and GAA 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, VSMGX or GAA?

VSMGX has higher volatility (2.65%) compared to GAA (2.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSMGX dropped -41.13% vs GAA's -26.57%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 2.47), 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.