WAIGX vs. VFINX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WAIGX (Wasatch International Growth Fund) and VFINX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares) are both mutual funds - WAIGX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Wasatch, while VFINX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, WAIGX returned 5.08%/yr vs 15.64%/yr for VFINX. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WAIGX charges 1.44%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for VFINX.

Performance

WAIGX vs. VFINX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wasatch International Growth Fund (WAIGX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares (VFINX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with WAIGX having a 9.56% return and VFINX slightly higher at 9.72%. Over the past 10 years, WAIGX has underperformed VFINX with an annualized return of 5.08%, while VFINX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.64% annualized return.

WAIGX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.19%
• YTD: 9.56%
• 6M: 9.26%
• 1Y: 4.61%
• 3Y*: 9.21%
• 5Y*: -1.85%
• 10Y*: 5.08%

VFINX

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 9.72%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 25.35%
• 3Y*: 21.24%
• 5Y*: 13.45%
• 10Y*: 15.64%

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

WAIGX vs. VFINX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WAIGX Wasatch International Growth Fund	9.56%	11.89%	-0.62%	11.64%	-36.64%	10.86%	24.65%	29.43%	-15.86%	33.04%
VFINX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares	9.72%	17.71%	24.84%	26.12%	-18.24%	28.53%	18.20%	31.33%	-4.55%	21.66%

Correlation

The correlation between WAIGX and VFINX is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2002	0.61

The correlation between WAIGX and VFINX shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (all time) to 0.74 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

WAIGX vs. VFINX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WAIGX

WAIGX Risk / Return Rank: 5
WAIGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
WAIGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
WAIGX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
WAIGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
WAIGX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

VFINX

VFINX Risk / Return Rank: 64
VFINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VFINX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VFINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
VFINX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

WAIGX vs. VFINX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wasatch International Growth Fund (WAIGX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares (VFINX). 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.

	WAIGX	VFINX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.36	2.14	-1.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.63	2.89	-2.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.39	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.31	2.99	-2.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.75	13.50	-12.75

WAIGX vs. VFINX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WAIGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.36, which is lower than the VFINX Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WAIGX and VFINX, 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

WAIGX vs. VFINX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WAIGX drawdown since its inception was -67.66%, which is greater than VFINX's maximum drawdown of -55.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WAIGX and VFINX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WAIGX	VFINX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.66%	-55.25%	-12.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.68%	-8.92%	-8.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.49%	-18.76%	-0.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.06%	-24.59%	-23.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.06%	-33.83%	-14.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.47%	-1.72%	-17.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.33%	-8.28%	-6.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.19%	1.97%	+5.22%

Volatility

WAIGX vs. VFINX - Volatility Comparison

Wasatch International Growth Fund (WAIGX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares (VFINX) have volatilities of 4.65% and 4.67%, 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

	WAIGX	VFINX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.65%	4.67%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.73%	9.84%	+2.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.98%	12.50%	+2.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.88%	16.99%	+1.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.22%	18.11%	+0.11%

WAIGX vs. VFINX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WAIGX has a 1.44% expense ratio, which is higher than VFINX's 0.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

WAIGX vs. VFINX - Dividend Comparison

WAIGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 49.09%, more than VFINX's 0.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFINX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares	0.94%	1.02%	1.14%	1.36%	1.57%	1.15%	1.45%	1.77%	1.94%	1.69%	1.92%	1.99%
WAIGX Wasatch International Growth Fund	49.09%	53.78%	20.59%	0.00%	0.00%	10.13%	10.93%	2.50%	17.84%	2.71%	4.01%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WAIGX and VFINX in my portfolio?

WAIGX and VFINX have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WAIGX or VFINX?

VFINX has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to WAIGX (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WAIGX dropped -67.66% vs VFINX's -55.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFINX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 0.36), 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.