VWUSX vs. GAFFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VWUSX (Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares) and GAFFX (American Funds Growth Fund of Amer F3) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, VWUSX returned 13.33%/yr vs 12.86%/yr for GAFFX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VWUSX charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for GAFFX.

Performance

VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWUSX) and American Funds Growth Fund of Amer F3 (GAFFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWUSX achieves a 4.77% return, which is significantly lower than GAFFX's 10.23% return.

VWUSX

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: 5.91%
• YTD: 4.77%
• 6M: 3.34%
• 1Y: 17.71%
• 3Y*: 22.28%
• 5Y*: 13.33%
• 10Y*: 19.18%

GAFFX

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 6.84%
• YTD: 10.23%
• 6M: 9.86%
• 1Y: 26.59%
• 3Y*: 25.53%
• 5Y*: 12.86%
• 10Y*: —

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

VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWUSX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares	4.77%	15.39%	31.65%	45.17%	-39.64%	35.76%	58.63%	45.61%	0.65%	26.38%
GAFFX American Funds Growth Fund of Amer F3	10.23%	20.09%	28.41%	37.68%	-30.54%	19.67%	38.31%	28.57%	-2.89%	20.76%

Correlation

The correlation between VWUSX and GAFFX is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2017	0.95

The correlation between VWUSX and GAFFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VWUSX vs. GAFFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWUSX

VWUSX Risk / Return Rank: 13
VWUSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
VWUSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
VWUSX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
VWUSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
VWUSX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

GAFFX

GAFFX Risk / Return Rank: 35
GAFFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
GAFFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
GAFFX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
GAFFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
GAFFX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWUSX) and American Funds Growth Fund of Amer F3 (GAFFX). 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.

	VWUSX	GAFFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.80	-0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.57	2.46	-0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.32	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.96	1.99	-1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.85	7.76	-4.91
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWUSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is lower than the GAFFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWUSX and GAFFX, 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

	VWUSX	GAFFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.11	1.80	-0.69
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.64	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.41	0.81	-0.40

Drawdowns

VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWUSX drawdown since its inception was -73.31%, which is greater than GAFFX's maximum drawdown of -36.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWUSX and GAFFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWUSX	GAFFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.31%	-36.19%	-37.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.15%	-13.71%	-5.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.01%	-21.55%	-3.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.18%	-36.19%	-5.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.18%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.77%	-0.33%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.83%	-7.41%	-15.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.43%	3.50%	+2.93%

Volatility

VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWUSX) and American Funds Growth Fund of Amer F3 (GAFFX) have volatilities of 3.66% and 3.67%, 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

	VWUSX	GAFFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.66%	3.67%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.49%	11.65%	+0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.60%	15.16%	+1.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.85%	20.25%	+6.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.64%	20.14%	+4.50%

VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWUSX has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than GAFFX's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Dividend Comparison

VWUSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.94%, less than GAFFX's 9.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GAFFX American Funds Growth Fund of Amer F3	9.98%	11.00%	9.30%	7.71%	4.45%	8.50%	4.58%	7.47%	12.37%	7.36%	0.00%	0.00%
VWUSX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares	8.94%	9.37%	4.60%	0.28%	0.37%	30.03%	3.90%	11.66%	9.65%	4.63%	1.52%	8.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWUSX and GAFFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VWUSX and GAFFX 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, VWUSX or GAFFX?

GAFFX has higher volatility (3.67%) compared to VWUSX (3.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWUSX dropped -73.31% vs GAFFX's -36.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAFFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.80 vs 1.11), 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.