VWENX vs. VWELX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VWENX (Vanguard Wellington Fund Admiral Shares) and VWELX (Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds from Vanguard. Both are actively managed. Over the past 10 years, VWENX returned 10.28%/yr vs 10.19%/yr for VWELX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VWENX charges 0.16%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for VWELX.

Performance

VWENX vs. VWELX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington Fund Admiral Shares (VWENX) and Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VWENX having a 6.57% return and VWELX slightly lower at 6.53%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VWENX having a 10.28% annualized return and VWELX not far behind at 10.19%.

VWENX

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 6.57%
• 6M: 6.54%
• 1Y: 19.90%
• 3Y*: 14.97%
• 5Y*: 9.03%
• 10Y*: 10.28%

VWELX

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: 0.81%
• YTD: 6.53%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 19.81%
• 3Y*: 14.88%
• 5Y*: 8.94%
• 10Y*: 10.19%

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

VWENX vs. VWELX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWENX Vanguard Wellington Fund Admiral Shares	6.57%	16.63%	14.82%	14.40%	-14.31%	19.09%	10.66%	22.61%	-3.35%	14.05%
VWELX Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares	6.53%	16.54%	14.73%	14.29%	-14.36%	18.99%	10.57%	22.51%	-3.43%	13.98%

Correlation

The correlation between VWENX and VWELX 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 May 14, 2001	1.00

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

Return for Risk

VWENX vs. VWELX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWENX

VWENX Risk / Return Rank: 68
VWENX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VWENX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VWENX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VWENX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VWENX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

VWELX

VWELX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VWELX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VWELX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VWELX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
VWELX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VWELX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

VWENX vs. VWELX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington Fund Admiral Shares (VWENX) and Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX). 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.

	VWENX	VWELX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	2.21	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	3.08	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.41	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	2.91	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.20	13.12	+0.08

VWENX vs. VWELX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWENX Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the VWELX Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWENX and VWELX, 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

VWENX vs. VWELX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWENX drawdown since its inception was -36.02%, roughly equal to the maximum VWELX drawdown of -36.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWENX and VWELX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWENX	VWELX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.02%	-36.12%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.77%	-6.78%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.98%	-11.98%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.84%	-20.88%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.33%	-25.33%	0.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.55%	-0.55%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.35%	-3.92%	-0.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.50%	1.50%	0.00%

Volatility

VWENX vs. VWELX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Wellington Fund Admiral Shares (VWENX) and Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX) have volatilities of 3.64% and 3.63%, 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

	VWENX	VWELX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.64%	3.63%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.35%	7.34%	+0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.95%	8.94%	+0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.22%	11.22%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.57%	11.57%	0.00%

VWENX vs. VWELX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWENX has a 0.16% expense ratio, which is lower than VWELX's 0.24% 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

VWENX vs. VWELX - Dividend Comparison

VWENX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.94%, which matches VWELX's 10.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VWELX Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares	10.86%	11.46%	10.76%	6.01%	8.19%	8.64%	7.77%	4.67%	9.49%	5.82%	4.44%	7.03%
VWENX Vanguard Wellington Fund Admiral Shares	10.94%	11.55%	10.85%	6.08%	8.28%	8.72%	7.85%	4.74%	9.58%	5.88%	4.53%	6.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWENX and VWELX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VWENX and VWELX 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, VWENX or VWELX?

VWENX has higher volatility (3.64%) compared to VWELX (3.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWENX dropped -36.02% vs VWELX's -36.12%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWENX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 2.21), 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.