WGROX vs. VEXAX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

WGROX (Wasatch Core Growth Fund) and VEXAX (Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - WGROX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Wasatch, while VEXAX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, WGROX returned 11.10%/yr vs 12.23%/yr for VEXAX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WGROX charges 1.17%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VEXAX.

Performance

WGROX vs. VEXAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wasatch Core Growth Fund (WGROX) and Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WGROX achieves a 4.03% return, which is significantly lower than VEXAX's 13.86% return. Over the past 10 years, WGROX has underperformed VEXAX with an annualized return of 11.10%, while VEXAX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.23% annualized return.

WGROX

• 1D: 2.92%
• 1M: 5.29%
• YTD: 4.03%
• 6M: 1.62%
• 1Y: -0.52%
• 3Y*: 8.07%
• 5Y*: 0.67%
• 10Y*: 11.10%

VEXAX

• 1D: 2.96%
• 1M: 4.32%
• YTD: 13.86%
• 6M: 11.70%
• 1Y: 27.36%
• 3Y*: 18.98%
• 5Y*: 6.06%
• 10Y*: 12.23%

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

WGROX vs. VEXAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WGROX Wasatch Core Growth Fund	4.03%	-10.37%	13.13%	33.43%	-30.86%	20.76%	36.73%	33.31%	-3.75%	24.29%
VEXAX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	13.86%	11.42%	15.47%	26.95%	-26.46%	12.45%	32.22%	28.03%	-9.37%	18.11%

Correlation

The correlation between WGROX and VEXAX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.93

The correlation between WGROX and VEXAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WGROX vs. VEXAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WGROX

WGROX Risk / Return Rank: 3
WGROX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
WGROX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
WGROX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
WGROX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
WGROX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

VEXAX

VEXAX Risk / Return Rank: 51
VEXAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VEXAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VEXAX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VEXAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VEXAX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

WGROX vs. VEXAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wasatch Core Growth Fund (WGROX) and Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX). 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.

	WGROX	VEXAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.04	1.53	-1.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.08	2.16	-2.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.26	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.05	2.65	-2.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.14	9.32	-9.45

WGROX vs. VEXAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WGROX Sharpe Ratio is -0.04, which is lower than the VEXAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WGROX and VEXAX, 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

WGROX vs. VEXAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WGROX drawdown since its inception was -61.61%, which is greater than VEXAX's maximum drawdown of -58.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WGROX and VEXAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WGROX	VEXAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.61%	-58.08%	-3.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.89%	-10.25%	-5.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.61%	-26.84%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.16%	-36.33%	-3.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.16%	-41.62%	+1.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.61%	-1.04%	-14.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.90%	-12.17%	+2.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.38%	2.92%	+3.46%

Volatility

WGROX vs. VEXAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Wasatch Core Growth Fund (WGROX) is 6.07%, while Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VEXAX) has a volatility of 6.48%. This indicates that WGROX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEXAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WGROX	VEXAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.07%	6.48%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.57%	13.35%	+1.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.48%	17.81%	+1.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.05%	22.43%	+0.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.35%	22.40%	+0.95%

WGROX vs. VEXAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WGROX has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXAX's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

WGROX vs. VEXAX - Dividend Comparison

WGROX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.22%, more than VEXAX's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEXAX Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.02%	1.14%	1.09%	1.25%	1.15%	1.13%	1.07%	1.30%	1.66%	1.25%	1.43%	1.35%
WGROX Wasatch Core Growth Fund	8.22%	8.55%	9.22%	0.00%	0.71%	16.82%	7.21%	10.73%	10.14%	6.24%	0.15%	12.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WGROX and VEXAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, WGROX and VEXAX 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, WGROX or VEXAX?

VEXAX has higher volatility (6.48%) compared to WGROX (6.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WGROX dropped -61.61% vs VEXAX's -58.08%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEXAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs -0.04), 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.