WIGRX vs. VSGAX

Last updated Jul 29, 2026

WIGRX (Wasatch Core Growth Fund Institutional Class) and VSGAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. WIGRX is actively managed, while VSGAX is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, WIGRX returned 10.84%/yr vs 10.85%/yr for VSGAX. Their correlation of 0.93 means they have usually moved in the same direction. WIGRX charges 1.05%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSGAX.

Performance

WIGRX vs. VSGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wasatch Core Growth Fund Institutional Class (WIGRX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WIGRX achieves a 5.10% return, which is significantly lower than VSGAX's 14.11% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with WIGRX having a 10.84% annualized return and VSGAX not far ahead at 10.85%.

WIGRX

• 1D: 1.54%
• 1M: -2.19%
• 6M: -0.36%
• YTD: 5.10%
• 1Y: -2.81%
• 3Y*: 5.83%
• 5Y*: 0.68%
• 10Y*: 10.84%
• ALL TIME*: 11.33%

VSGAX

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: -3.88%
• 6M: 6.78%
• YTD: 14.11%
• 1Y: 20.58%
• 3Y*: 13.90%
• 5Y*: 4.39%
• 10Y*: 10.85%
• ALL TIME*: 12.00%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
WIGRX Wasatch Core Growth Fund Institutional Class	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

WIGRX vs. VSGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WIGRX Wasatch Core Growth Fund Institutional Class	5.10%	-10.26%	13.24%	33.58%	-30.75%	20.89%	36.92%	33.49%	-3.63%	24.47%
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	14.11%	8.44%	14.94%	23.04%	-28.39%	5.70%	35.26%	32.76%	-5.69%	21.92%

Correlation

The correlation between WIGRX and VSGAX is 0.85, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2012	0.93

The correlation between WIGRX and VSGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WIGRX vs. VSGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WIGRX

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

VSGAX

VSGAX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VSGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VSGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
VSGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VSGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VSGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

WIGRX vs. VSGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wasatch Core Growth Fund Institutional Class (WIGRX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX). 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.

	WIGRX	VSGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.14	1.00	-1.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.06	1.49	-1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.99	1.18	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.18	1.79	-1.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.45	6.24	-6.69

WIGRX vs. VSGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WIGRX Sharpe Ratio is -0.14, which is lower than the VSGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WIGRX and VSGAX, 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

WIGRX vs. VSGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WIGRX drawdown since its inception was -40.07%, roughly equal to the maximum VSGAX drawdown of -38.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WIGRX and VSGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WIGRX	VSGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.07%	-38.70%	-1.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.43%	-11.37%	-4.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.59%	-27.47%	-0.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.07%	-38.36%	-1.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.07%	-38.70%	-1.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.63%	-6.03%	-8.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.60%	-8.49%	-0.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.04%	3.26%	+2.78%

Volatility

WIGRX vs. VSGAX - Volatility Comparison

Wasatch Core Growth Fund Institutional Class (WIGRX) has a higher volatility of 4.95% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSGAX) at 4.57%. This indicates that WIGRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSGAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WIGRX	VSGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	4.57%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.48%	15.82%	-1.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.64%	20.49%	-0.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.10%	23.71%	-0.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.08%	23.04%	+0.04%

WIGRX vs. VSGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WIGRX has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VSGAX's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

WIGRX vs. VSGAX - Dividend Comparison

WIGRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.94%, more than VSGAX's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VSGAX Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.44%	0.54%	0.54%	0.67%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.81%	1.08%	0.98%
WIGRX Wasatch Core Growth Fund Institutional Class	7.94%	8.34%	9.02%	0.00%	0.70%	16.54%	7.12%	10.61%	10.06%	6.20%	0.20%	12.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WIGRX and VSGAX in my portfolio?

WIGRX and VSGAX have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WIGRX or VSGAX?

WIGRX has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to VSGAX (4.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WIGRX dropped -40.07% vs VSGAX's -38.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSGAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.00 vs -0.14), 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.