VSTIX vs. VCGAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VSTIX (VALIC Company I Stock Index Fund) and VCGAX (VALIC Company I Systematic Core Fund) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds from VALIC. Over the past 10 years, VSTIX returned 14.79%/yr vs 13.68%/yr for VCGAX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSTIX charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for VCGAX.

Performance

VSTIX vs. VCGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VALIC Company I Stock Index Fund (VSTIX) and VALIC Company I Systematic Core Fund (VCGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSTIX achieves a 9.59% return, which is significantly higher than VCGAX's 5.35% return. Over the past 10 years, VSTIX has outperformed VCGAX with an annualized return of 14.79%, while VCGAX has yielded a comparatively lower 13.68% annualized return.

VSTIX

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 9.59%
• 6M: 8.60%
• 1Y: 25.16%
• 3Y*: 19.91%
• 5Y*: 12.68%
• 10Y*: 14.79%

VCGAX

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: -0.73%
• YTD: 5.35%
• 6M: 4.15%
• 1Y: 18.87%
• 3Y*: 16.38%
• 5Y*: 9.68%
• 10Y*: 13.68%

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

VSTIX vs. VCGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSTIX VALIC Company I Stock Index Fund	9.59%	14.28%	24.76%	25.62%	-18.11%	28.40%	18.55%	31.05%	-8.09%	21.46%
VCGAX VALIC Company I Systematic Core Fund	5.35%	9.41%	23.14%	23.94%	-18.71%	26.34%	24.07%	30.50%	-8.98%	21.09%

Correlation

The correlation between VSTIX and VCGAX is 0.95 - 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	0.95
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	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 1997	0.98

The correlation between VSTIX and VCGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSTIX vs. VCGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSTIX

VSTIX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VSTIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VSTIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VSTIX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VSTIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VSTIX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

VCGAX

VCGAX Risk / Return Rank: 39
VCGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
VCGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VCGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VCGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
VCGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

VSTIX vs. VCGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VALIC Company I Stock Index Fund (VSTIX) and VALIC Company I Systematic Core Fund (VCGAX). 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.

	VSTIX	VCGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	1.70	+0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	2.45	+0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.30	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.98	2.11	+0.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.49	9.00	+4.49

VSTIX vs. VCGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSTIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is comparable to the VCGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSTIX and VCGAX, 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

VSTIX vs. VCGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSTIX drawdown since its inception was -69.93%, roughly equal to the maximum VCGAX drawdown of -71.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTIX and VCGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSTIX	VCGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.93%	-71.37%	+1.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-9.55%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.05%	-22.35%	+1.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.41%	-24.90%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.52%	-34.41%	+0.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.72%	-1.77%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.63%	-25.21%	+4.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	2.23%	-0.26%

Volatility

VSTIX vs. VCGAX - Volatility Comparison

VALIC Company I Stock Index Fund (VSTIX) has a higher volatility of 4.67% compared to VALIC Company I Systematic Core Fund (VCGAX) at 3.78%. This indicates that VSTIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VCGAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSTIX	VCGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.67%	3.78%	+0.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.81%	9.35%	+0.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.12%	11.86%	+0.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.52%	16.96%	+0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.42%	18.42%	0.00%

VSTIX vs. VCGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSTIX has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than VCGAX's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSTIX vs. VCGAX - Dividend Comparison

VSTIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.68%, more than VCGAX's 6.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCGAX VALIC Company I Systematic Core Fund	6.44%	0.00%	1.69%	4.83%	0.79%	9.20%	10.09%	10.41%	1.01%	3.82%
VSTIX VALIC Company I Stock Index Fund	11.68%	0.00%	6.25%	7.76%	11.33%	5.68%	7.26%	3.37%	1.81%	5.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSTIX and VCGAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VSTIX and VCGAX 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, VSTIX or VCGAX?

VSTIX has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to VCGAX (3.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSTIX dropped -69.93% vs VCGAX's -71.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.70), 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.