VSMPX vs. DESGX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VSMPX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) and DESGX (DWS ESG Core Equity Fund) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VSMPX returned 15.05%/yr vs 13.33%/yr for DESGX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSMPX charges 0.02%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for DESGX.

Performance

VSMPX vs. DESGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX) and DWS ESG Core Equity Fund (DESGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSMPX achieves a 11.14% return, which is significantly lower than DESGX's 13.71% return. Over the past 10 years, VSMPX has outperformed DESGX with an annualized return of 15.05%, while DESGX has yielded a comparatively lower 13.33% annualized return.

VSMPX

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 4.07%
• YTD: 11.14%
• 6M: 10.87%
• 1Y: 28.12%
• 3Y*: 22.06%
• 5Y*: 12.70%
• 10Y*: 15.05%

DESGX

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: 4.85%
• YTD: 13.71%
• 6M: 14.01%
• 1Y: 36.47%
• 3Y*: 23.11%
• 5Y*: 14.99%
• 10Y*: 13.33%

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

VSMPX vs. DESGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSMPX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	11.14%	17.15%	23.26%	26.53%	-19.50%	25.74%	21.01%	30.79%	-5.16%	21.19%
DESGX DWS ESG Core Equity Fund	13.71%	18.92%	23.55%	26.68%	-15.56%	28.99%	19.13%	28.18%	-17.30%	13.02%

Correlation

The correlation between VSMPX and DESGX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2016	0.96

The correlation between VSMPX and DESGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSMPX vs. DESGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSMPX

VSMPX Risk / Return Rank: 64
VSMPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VSMPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VSMPX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VSMPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VSMPX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

DESGX

DESGX Risk / Return Rank: 86
DESGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
DESGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
DESGX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
DESGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
DESGX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

VSMPX vs. DESGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX) and DWS ESG Core Equity Fund (DESGX). 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.

	VSMPX	DESGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	2.89	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	3.99	-0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.52	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	3.92	-0.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.62	18.10	-3.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSMPX vs. DESGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSMPX Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is comparable to the DESGX Sharpe Ratio of 2.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSMPX and DESGX, 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

	VSMPX	DESGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32	2.89	-0.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74	0.88	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82	0.73	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.82	0.53	+0.29

Drawdowns

VSMPX vs. DESGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSMPX drawdown since its inception was -34.97%, smaller than the maximum DESGX drawdown of -58.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSMPX and DESGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSMPX	DESGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.97%	-58.26%	+23.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-9.38%	+0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-21.26%	+1.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.35%	-22.01%	-3.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.97%	-34.68%	-0.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.76%	-0.88%	+0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.59%	-8.11%	+3.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	2.03%	-0.10%

Volatility

VSMPX vs. DESGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX) is 3.05%, while DWS ESG Core Equity Fund (DESGX) has a volatility of 3.73%. This indicates that VSMPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DESGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSMPX	DESGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.05%	3.73%	-0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.20%	9.82%	-0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.22%	12.75%	-0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.36%	17.18%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.41%	18.23%	+0.18%

VSMPX vs. DESGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSMPX has a 0.02% expense ratio, which is lower than DESGX's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSMPX vs. DESGX - Dividend Comparison

VSMPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than DESGX's 5.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DESGX DWS ESG Core Equity Fund	5.07%	5.76%	7.94%	2.80%	4.21%	12.80%	4.06%	7.61%	21.12%	3.53%	6.49%	7.25%
VSMPX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	1.02%	1.13%	1.27%	1.43%	1.67%	1.22%	1.43%	1.78%	2.05%	1.73%	1.95%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSMPX and DESGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VSMPX and DESGX 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, VSMPX or DESGX?

DESGX has higher volatility (3.73%) compared to VSMPX (3.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSMPX dropped -34.97% vs DESGX's -58.26%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DESGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.89 vs 2.32), 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.