VWUSX vs. VRGWX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VWUSX (Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares) and VRGWX (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds from Vanguard. VWUSX is actively managed, while VRGWX is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VWUSX returned 18.85%/yr vs 18.55%/yr for VRGWX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VWUSX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VRGWX.

Performance

VWUSX vs. VRGWX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWUSX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWUSX achieves a 2.85% return, which is significantly lower than VRGWX's 5.06% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VWUSX having a 18.85% annualized return and VRGWX not far behind at 18.55%.

VWUSX

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 3.58%
• 6M: 1.89%
• YTD: 2.85%
• 1Y: 9.67%
• 3Y*: 20.05%
• 5Y*: 10.46%
• 10Y*: 18.85%

VRGWX

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 2.01%
• 6M: 4.17%
• YTD: 5.06%
• 1Y: 16.52%
• 3Y*: 22.59%
• 5Y*: 13.89%
• 10Y*: 18.55%

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

VWUSX vs. VRGWX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWUSX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares	2.85%	15.39%	31.65%	45.17%	-39.64%	35.76%	58.63%	45.61%	0.65%	31.11%
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.06%	18.32%	33.25%	42.65%	-29.18%	32.42%	38.38%	36.30%	-1.59%	30.11%

Correlation

The correlation between VWUSX and VRGWX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.97

The correlation between VWUSX and VRGWX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VWUSX vs. VRGWX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWUSX

VWUSX Risk / Return Rank: 9
VWUSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
VWUSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
VWUSX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VWUSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VWUSX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

VRGWX

VRGWX Risk / Return Rank: 19
VRGWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
VRGWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
VRGWX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
VRGWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VRGWX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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. VRGWX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWUSX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX). 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.

	VWUSX	VRGWX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.52	0.98	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.82	1.42	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.18	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.48	1.01	-0.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.39	3.19	-1.80

VWUSX vs. VRGWX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWUSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.52, which is lower than the VRGWX Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWUSX and VRGWX, 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

VWUSX vs. VRGWX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWUSX drawdown since its inception was -73.31%, which is greater than VRGWX's maximum drawdown of -32.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWUSX and VRGWX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWUSX	VRGWX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.31%	-32.70%	-40.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.15%	-16.19%	-2.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.01%	-23.44%	-1.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.18%	-32.70%	-9.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.18%	-32.70%	-9.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.58%	-3.61%	+1.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.79%	-4.88%	-17.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.62%	5.09%	+1.53%

Volatility

VWUSX vs. VRGWX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWUSX) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRGWX) have volatilities of 6.35% and 6.52%, 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	VRGWX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.35%	6.52%	-0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.99%	13.30%	+0.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.62%	16.61%	+1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.98%	21.82%	+5.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.67%	21.21%	+3.46%

VWUSX vs. VRGWX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWUSX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VRGWX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

VWUSX vs. VRGWX - Dividend Comparison

VWUSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.11%, more than VRGWX's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VRGWX Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.46%	0.35%	0.56%	0.71%	0.99%	4.18%	0.77%	1.03%	1.22%	1.22%	1.52%	1.51%
VWUSX Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund Investor Shares	9.11%	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 VRGWX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VWUSX and VRGWX 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 VRGWX?

VRGWX has higher volatility (6.52%) compared to VWUSX (6.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWUSX dropped -73.31% vs VRGWX's -32.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRGWX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.98 vs 0.52), 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.