WSHFX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

WSHFX (American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-1) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both funds - WSHFX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by American Funds, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, WSHFX returned 12.75%/yr vs 17.90%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WSHFX charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

WSHFX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-1 (WSHFX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WSHFX achieves a 5.28% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 4.99% return. Over the past 10 years, WSHFX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 12.75%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.90% annualized return.

WSHFX

• 1D: 1.48%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 5.28%
• 6M: 5.29%
• 1Y: 16.60%
• 3Y*: 17.49%
• 5Y*: 11.70%
• 10Y*: 12.75%

VUG

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -3.64%
• YTD: 4.99%
• 6M: 5.66%
• 1Y: 22.83%
• 3Y*: 23.38%
• 5Y*: 13.78%
• 10Y*: 17.90%

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

WSHFX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WSHFX American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-1	5.28%	17.13%	18.94%	17.15%	-8.50%	28.36%	7.62%	24.82%	-6.27%	19.91%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	4.99%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between WSHFX and VUG is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.86

The correlation between WSHFX and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (1 year) to 0.86 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

WSHFX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

WSHFX

WSHFX Risk / Return Rank: 43
WSHFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
WSHFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
WSHFX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
WSHFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
WSHFX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 36
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

WSHFX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-1 (WSHFX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	WSHFX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.29	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	1.78	+0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.23	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	1.29	+0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.21	4.43	+3.79

WSHFX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WSHFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WSHFX and VUG, 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

WSHFX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WSHFX drawdown since its inception was -53.94%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WSHFX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	WSHFX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.94%	-50.68%	-3.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.38%	-16.53%	+8.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.65%	-22.85%	+8.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.69%	-35.61%	+16.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.67%	-35.61%	+0.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.54%	-5.56%	+5.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.33%	-7.09%	-0.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	4.79%	-2.84%

Volatility

WSHFX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-1 (WSHFX) is 3.05%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 5.73%. This indicates that WSHFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WSHFX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.05%	5.73%	-2.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.13%	13.00%	-4.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.55%	16.46%	-5.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.14%	22.30%	-8.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.34%	21.48%	-5.14%

WSHFX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

WSHFX has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

WSHFX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

WSHFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.32%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%
WSHFX American Funds Washington Mutual Investors Fund Class F-1	5.32%	10.08%	10.05%	6.11%	6.28%	6.01%	3.02%	6.17%	4.28%	7.19%	6.32%	6.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WSHFX and VUG in my portfolio?

WSHFX and VUG have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WSHFX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (5.73%) compared to WSHFX (3.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WSHFX dropped -53.94% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WSHFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.29), 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.