VWUSX vs. GAFFX
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWUSX) and American Funds Growth Fund of Amer F3 (GAFFX).
VWUSX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Jan 6, 1959. GAFFX is managed by American Funds. It was launched on Aug 1, 2008.
Performance
VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
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 | -11.82% | 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 | -8.00% | 20.09% | 28.41% | 37.68% | -30.54% | 19.67% | 38.31% | 28.57% | -2.89% | 20.76% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VWUSX achieves a -11.82% return, which is significantly lower than GAFFX's -8.00% return.
VWUSX
- 1D
- 3.81%
- 1M
- -5.57%
- YTD
- -11.82%
- 6M
- -12.37%
- 1Y
- 12.32%
- 3Y*
- 18.86%
- 5Y*
- 9.63%
- 10Y*
- 17.34%
GAFFX
- 1D
- 3.55%
- 1M
- -6.33%
- YTD
- -8.00%
- 6M
- -7.02%
- 1Y
- 17.18%
- 3Y*
- 20.63%
- 5Y*
- 9.29%
- 10Y*
- —
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VWUSX has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than GAFFX's 0.30% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
VWUSX vs. GAFFX — Risk / Return Rank
VWUSX
GAFFX
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 ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.57 | 0.86 | -0.29 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 0.98 | 1.37 | -0.39 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.14 | 1.20 | -0.06 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.68 | 1.29 | -0.62 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.20 | 4.90 | -2.71 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VWUSX | GAFFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.57 | 0.86 | -0.29 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.36 | 0.46 | -0.10 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.71 | — | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.39 | 0.71 | -0.31 |
Correlation
The correlation between VWUSX and GAFFX is 0.96, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Dividend Comparison
VWUSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.62%, less than GAFFX's 11.96% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VWUSX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares | 10.62% | 9.37% | 4.60% | 0.28% | 0.37% | 30.03% | 3.90% | 11.66% | 9.65% | 4.63% | 1.52% | 8.95% |
GAFFX American Funds Growth Fund of Amer F3 | 11.96% | 11.00% | 9.30% | 7.71% | 4.45% | 8.50% | 4.58% | 7.47% | 12.37% | 7.36% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
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.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VWUSX | GAFFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest 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 (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -42.18% | -36.19% | -5.99% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -42.18% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -16.06% | -10.64% | -5.42% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -22.89% | -7.51% | -15.38% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 5.91% | 3.62% | +2.29% |
Volatility
VWUSX vs. GAFFX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWUSX) has a higher volatility of 7.11% compared to American Funds Growth Fund of Amer F3 (GAFFX) at 6.76%. This indicates that VWUSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GAFFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VWUSX | GAFFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.11% | 6.76% | +0.35% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.35% | 12.14% | +1.21% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 23.65% | 21.02% | +2.63% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 26.96% | 20.23% | +6.73% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 24.60% | 20.22% | +4.38% |