WBSIX vs. WGFIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WBSIX (William Blair Small Cap Growth Fund) and WGFIX (William Blair Global Leaders Fund) are both mutual funds - WBSIX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by William Blair, while WGFIX is a Global Equities fund managed by William Blair. Over the past 10 years, WBSIX returned 15.39%/yr vs 11.80%/yr for WGFIX. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WBSIX charges 1.25%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for WGFIX.

Performance

WBSIX vs. WGFIX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WBSIX achieves a 19.52% return, which is significantly higher than WGFIX's 9.97% return. Over the past 10 years, WBSIX has outperformed WGFIX with an annualized return of 15.39%, while WGFIX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.80% annualized return.

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%

WGFIX

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 4.30%
• YTD: 9.97%
• 6M: 9.64%
• 1Y: 21.64%
• 3Y*: 13.27%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: 11.80%

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

WBSIX vs. WGFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
WGFIX William Blair Global Leaders Fund	9.97%	16.06%	7.52%	23.02%	-29.32%	16.71%	32.06%	31.97%	-8.04%	30.67%

Correlation

The correlation between WBSIX and WGFIX is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2007	0.80

The correlation between WBSIX and WGFIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WBSIX vs. WGFIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

WGFIX

WGFIX Risk / Return Rank: 30
WGFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
WGFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
WGFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
WGFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
WGFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

WBSIX vs. WGFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	WBSIX	WGFIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	1.52	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	2.12	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.28	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.69	1.72	+0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.68	6.70	+2.99

WBSIX vs. WGFIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WBSIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is comparable to the WGFIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WBSIX and WGFIX, 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

WBSIX vs. WGFIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WBSIX drawdown since its inception was -62.35%, roughly equal to the maximum WGFIX drawdown of -59.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WBSIX and WGFIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WBSIX	WGFIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.35%	-59.51%	-2.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.75%	-13.11%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.76%	-18.90%	-5.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.13%	-38.76%	+0.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.16%	-38.76%	-0.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.12%	-11.84%	+0.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.53%	3.35%	+0.18%

Volatility

WBSIX vs. WGFIX - Volatility Comparison

William Blair Small Cap Growth Fund (WBSIX) and William Blair Global Leaders Fund (WGFIX) have volatilities of 6.86% and 6.96%, 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

	WBSIX	WGFIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.86%	6.96%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.40%	12.52%	+2.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.77%	14.83%	+5.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.98%	18.95%	+5.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.09%	18.95%	+4.14%

WBSIX vs. WGFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WBSIX has a 1.25% expense ratio, which is higher than WGFIX's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

WBSIX vs. WGFIX - Dividend Comparison

WBSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.26%, less than WGFIX's 77.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
WGFIX William Blair Global Leaders Fund	77.78%	85.53%	54.25%	6.65%	2.17%	5.65%	12.57%	1.35%	17.62%	4.24%	0.72%	5.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WBSIX and WGFIX in my portfolio?

WBSIX and WGFIX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WBSIX or WGFIX?

WGFIX has higher volatility (6.96%) compared to WBSIX (6.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WBSIX dropped -62.35% vs WGFIX's -59.51%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WBSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.52), 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.