VWNAX vs. VGELX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VWNAX (Vanguard Windsor II Fund Admiral Shares) and VGELX (Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VWNAX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VGELX is a Energy Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VWNAX returned 12.85%/yr vs 8.88%/yr for VGELX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VWNAX charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for VGELX.

Performance

VWNAX vs. VGELX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Windsor II Fund Admiral Shares (VWNAX) and Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares (VGELX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWNAX achieves a 5.78% return, which is significantly lower than VGELX's 15.54% return. Over the past 10 years, VWNAX has outperformed VGELX with an annualized return of 12.85%, while VGELX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.88% annualized return.

VWNAX

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: -0.24%
• YTD: 5.78%
• 6M: 5.32%
• 1Y: 22.12%
• 3Y*: 16.20%
• 5Y*: 10.95%
• 10Y*: 12.85%

VGELX

• 1D: -0.87%
• 1M: -5.85%
• YTD: 15.54%
• 6M: 16.98%
• 1Y: 24.11%
• 3Y*: 25.59%
• 5Y*: 22.04%
• 10Y*: 8.88%

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

VWNAX vs. VGELX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWNAX Vanguard Windsor II Fund Admiral Shares	5.78%	18.64%	13.99%	21.10%	-13.18%	28.95%	14.49%	29.16%	-8.57%	15.67%
VGELX Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares	15.54%	20.76%	30.46%	8.87%	23.70%	27.80%	-30.80%	13.32%	-17.12%	3.31%

Correlation

The correlation between VWNAX and VGELX is 0.20, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2001	0.68

Over the past year, the correlation between VWNAX and VGELX has dropped to 0.20 - well below their long-term average of 0.68, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VWNAX vs. VGELX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VWNAX	VGELX
Technology	20.5%	-
Financial Services	19.2%	0.0%
Healthcare	12.2%	-
Industrials	10.1%	-
Communication Services	8.1%	-
Energy	7.0%	56.5%
Consumer Cyclical	6.9%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	-
Basic Materials	4.7%	1.1%
Utilities	2.2%	40.8%
Real Estate	0.5%	0.0%

Return for Risk

VWNAX vs. VGELX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWNAX

VWNAX Risk / Return Rank: 53
VWNAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VWNAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VWNAX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VWNAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VWNAX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

VGELX

VGELX Risk / Return Rank: 61
VGELX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VGELX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VGELX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VGELX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VGELX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

VWNAX vs. VGELX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Windsor II Fund Admiral Shares (VWNAX) and Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares (VGELX). 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.

	VWNAX	VGELX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	2.06	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.83	-0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.36	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.78	3.20	-0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.30	12.56	-1.26

VWNAX vs. VGELX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWNAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the VGELX Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWNAX and VGELX, 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

VWNAX vs. VGELX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWNAX drawdown since its inception was -57.51%, smaller than the maximum VGELX drawdown of -65.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWNAX and VGELX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWNAX	VGELX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.51%	-65.22%	+7.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.85%	-7.86%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.77%	-12.30%	-9.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.70%	-19.72%	-2.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.42%	-61.13%	+23.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.57%	-7.86%	+6.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.98%	-19.11%	+10.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	2.00%	-0.07%

Volatility

VWNAX vs. VGELX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Windsor II Fund Admiral Shares (VWNAX) and Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares (VGELX) have volatilities of 3.64% and 3.79%, 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

	VWNAX	VGELX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.64%	3.79%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.57%	10.29%	-1.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.34%	12.25%	-0.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.04%	18.70%	-1.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.39%	23.18%	-4.79%

VWNAX vs. VGELX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWNAX has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is lower than VGELX's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

VWNAX vs. VGELX - Dividend Comparison

VWNAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.93%, more than VGELX's 7.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGELX Vanguard Energy Fund Admiral Shares	7.48%	4.79%	34.15%	6.91%	4.71%	3.70%	4.54%	3.38%	3.07%	3.05%	1.91%	2.70%
VWNAX Vanguard Windsor II Fund Admiral Shares	10.93%	11.55%	10.59%	5.19%	7.36%	7.92%	7.39%	10.15%	11.48%	7.38%	8.17%	8.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWNAX and VGELX in my portfolio?

VWNAX and VGELX have a correlation of 0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VWNAX or VGELX?

VGELX has higher volatility (3.79%) compared to VWNAX (3.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWNAX dropped -57.51% vs VGELX's -65.22%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGELX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 1.93), 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.