WBGSX vs. WBSIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WBGSX (William Blair Growth Fund) and WBSIX (William Blair Small Cap Growth Fund) are both mutual funds - WBGSX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by William Blair, while WBSIX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by William Blair. Over the past 10 years, WBGSX returned 15.12%/yr vs 15.39%/yr for WBSIX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WBGSX charges 1.20%/yr vs 1.25%/yr for WBSIX.

Performance

WBGSX vs. WBSIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in William Blair Growth Fund (WBGSX) and William Blair Small Cap Growth Fund (WBSIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WBGSX achieves a 5.97% return, which is significantly lower than WBSIX's 19.52% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with WBGSX having a 15.12% annualized return and WBSIX not far ahead at 15.39%.

WBGSX

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 5.97%
• 6M: 4.87%
• 1Y: 18.37%
• 3Y*: 16.78%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 15.12%

WBSIX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 6.39%
• YTD: 19.52%
• 6M: 17.13%
• 1Y: 32.93%
• 3Y*: 21.13%
• 5Y*: 8.19%
• 10Y*: 15.39%

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

WBGSX vs. WBSIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WBGSX William Blair Growth Fund	5.97%	10.69%	21.86%	37.75%	-29.75%	21.71%	36.12%	32.11%	4.88%	24.19%
WBSIX William Blair Small Cap Growth Fund	19.52%	3.03%	32.88%	16.38%	-21.46%	12.64%	38.87%	22.53%	-2.08%	26.81%

Correlation

The correlation between WBGSX and WBSIX is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 1999	0.85

The correlation between WBGSX and WBSIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.85 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

WBGSX vs. WBSIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WBGSX

WBGSX Risk / Return Rank: 15
WBGSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
WBGSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
WBGSX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
WBGSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
WBGSX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

WBSIX

WBSIX Risk / Return Rank: 42
WBSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
WBSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
WBSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
WBSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
WBSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

WBGSX vs. WBSIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for William Blair Growth Fund (WBGSX) and William Blair Small Cap Growth Fund (WBSIX). 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.

	WBGSX	WBSIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.66	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.57	2.37	-0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.28	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.00	2.69	-1.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.82	9.68	-6.87

WBGSX vs. WBSIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WBGSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is lower than the WBSIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WBGSX and WBSIX, 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

WBGSX vs. WBSIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WBGSX drawdown since its inception was -53.05%, smaller than the maximum WBSIX drawdown of -62.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WBGSX and WBSIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WBGSX	WBSIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.05%	-62.35%	+9.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.70%	-12.75%	-6.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.45%	-24.76%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.90%	-38.13%	+1.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.90%	-39.16%	+2.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.31%	0.00%	-4.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.51%	-11.12%	-0.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.94%	3.53%	+3.41%

Volatility

WBGSX vs. WBSIX - Volatility Comparison

William Blair Growth Fund (WBGSX) and William Blair Small Cap Growth Fund (WBSIX) have volatilities of 7.10% and 6.86%, 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

	WBGSX	WBSIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.10%	6.86%	+0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.91%	15.40%	-1.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.71%	20.77%	-3.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.66%	23.98%	-2.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.63%	23.09%	-2.46%

WBGSX vs. WBSIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WBGSX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is lower than WBSIX's 1.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

WBGSX vs. WBSIX - Dividend Comparison

WBGSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 41.49%, more than WBSIX's 6.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
WBGSX William Blair Growth Fund	41.49%	43.96%	34.53%	12.73%	4.59%	14.82%	15.07%	10.27%	38.86%	38.00%	8.81%	13.92%
WBSIX William Blair Small Cap Growth Fund	6.26%	7.49%	20.14%	1.53%	3.55%	17.85%	9.73%	2.07%	12.60%	16.89%	5.42%	8.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WBGSX and WBSIX in my portfolio?

WBGSX and WBSIX have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WBGSX or WBSIX?

WBGSX has higher volatility (7.10%) compared to WBSIX (6.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WBGSX dropped -53.05% vs WBSIX's -62.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WBSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 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.