WDI vs. VONG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

WDI (Western Asset Diversified Income Fund) and VONG (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF) are both funds - WDI is a Multisector Bonds fund managed by Franklin Templeton, while VONG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Over the past 3 years, WDI returned 12.87%/yr vs 22.53%/yr for VONG. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WDI charges 1.73%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VONG.

Performance

WDI vs. VONG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Diversified Income Fund (WDI) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WDI achieves a 1.96% return, which is significantly lower than VONG's 3.18% return.

WDI

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 1.96%
• 6M: 2.46%
• 1Y: 3.20%
• 3Y*: 12.87%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VONG

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -2.46%
• YTD: 3.18%
• 6M: 2.49%
• 1Y: 21.21%
• 3Y*: 22.53%
• 5Y*: 13.53%
• 10Y*: 18.58%

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

WDI vs. VONG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
WDI Western Asset Diversified Income Fund	1.96%	10.64%	13.88%	25.11%	-23.30%	-5.61%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	3.18%	18.45%	33.20%	42.67%	-29.18%	14.16%

Correlation

The correlation between WDI and VONG is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2021	0.40

Return for Risk

WDI vs. VONG — Risk / Return Rank

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

WDI

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

VONG

VONG Risk / Return Rank: 34
VONG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VONG Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VONG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VONG Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
VONG 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.

WDI vs. VONG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Diversified Income Fund (WDI) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). 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.

	WDI	VONG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.34	1.32	-0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.54	1.83	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.23	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.38	1.31	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.93	4.30	-3.36

WDI vs. VONG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WDI Sharpe Ratio is 0.34, which is lower than the VONG Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WDI and VONG, 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

WDI vs. VONG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDI drawdown since its inception was -32.45%, roughly equal to the maximum VONG drawdown of -32.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDI and VONG.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDI	VONG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.45%	-32.72%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.47%	-16.23%	+7.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.14%	-23.27%	+9.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.72%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.13%	-5.33%	+2.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.34%	-4.88%	-5.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.43%	4.95%	-1.52%

Volatility

WDI vs. VONG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Western Asset Diversified Income Fund (WDI) is 3.47%, while Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) has a volatility of 5.86%. This indicates that WDI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VONG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WDI	VONG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.47%	5.86%	-2.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.62%	12.54%	-4.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.45%	16.12%	-6.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.94%	21.44%	-8.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.94%	20.94%	-8.00%

WDI vs. VONG - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDI has a 1.73% expense ratio, which is higher than VONG's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

WDI vs. VONG - Dividend Comparison

WDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.22%, more than VONG's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.46%	0.45%	0.55%	0.71%	0.98%	0.58%	0.77%	1.03%	1.18%	1.19%	1.48%	1.47%
WDI Western Asset Diversified Income Fund	13.22%	13.98%	12.32%	11.45%	11.40%	3.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDI and VONG in my portfolio?

WDI and VONG have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WDI or VONG?

VONG has higher volatility (5.86%) compared to WDI (3.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WDI dropped -32.45% vs VONG's -32.72%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VONG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.32 vs 0.34), 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.