AMFAX vs. VTSMX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

AMFAX (AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class A) and VTSMX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares) are both mutual funds - AMFAX is a Systematic Trend fund managed by BlackRock, while VTSMX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Over the past 10 years, AMFAX returned 2.06%/yr vs 14.95%/yr for VTSMX. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AMFAX charges 1.72%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VTSMX.

Performance

AMFAX vs. VTSMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class A (AMFAX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares (VTSMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AMFAX achieves a 9.58% return, which is significantly higher than VTSMX's 8.83% return. Over the past 10 years, AMFAX has underperformed VTSMX with an annualized return of 2.06%, while VTSMX has yielded a comparatively higher 14.95% annualized return.

AMFAX

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: -4.35%
• YTD: 9.58%
• 6M: 8.91%
• 1Y: 20.64%
• 3Y*: -3.09%
• 5Y*: 2.14%
• 10Y*: 2.06%

VTSMX

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: -0.80%
• YTD: 8.83%
• 6M: 7.37%
• 1Y: 22.74%
• 3Y*: 20.27%
• 5Y*: 11.66%
• 10Y*: 14.95%

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

AMFAX vs. VTSMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AMFAX AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class A	9.58%	-9.75%	-3.56%	-10.59%	35.38%	3.28%	13.29%	8.03%	-12.87%	6.54%
VTSMX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares	8.83%	16.63%	22.76%	26.38%	-19.60%	25.59%	20.87%	30.63%	-5.27%	21.05%

Correlation

The correlation between AMFAX and VTSMX is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 2, 2010	0.21

Over the past year, AMFAX and VTSMX have become more correlated (0.44) than their long-term average of 0.21, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

AMFAX vs. VTSMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AMFAX

AMFAX Risk / Return Rank: 53
AMFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
AMFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
AMFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
AMFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
AMFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

VTSMX

VTSMX Risk / Return Rank: 52
VTSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VTSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VTSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VTSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VTSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

AMFAX vs. VTSMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class A (AMFAX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares (VTSMX). 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.

	AMFAX	VTSMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	1.89	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	2.58	-0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.59	2.72	+0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.90	12.12	-0.22

AMFAX vs. VTSMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AMFAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is comparable to the VTSMX Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AMFAX and VTSMX, 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

AMFAX vs. VTSMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AMFAX drawdown since its inception was -36.84%, smaller than the maximum VTSMX drawdown of -55.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AMFAX and VTSMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AMFAX	VTSMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.84%	-55.38%	+18.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.86%	-8.93%	+3.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.49%	-19.63%	-10.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.84%	-25.43%	-11.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.84%	-34.98%	-1.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.82%	-2.79%	-20.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.65%	-8.88%	-4.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.77%	2.00%	-0.23%

Volatility

AMFAX vs. VTSMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class A (AMFAX) is 4.11%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares (VTSMX) has a volatility of 4.97%. This indicates that AMFAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTSMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AMFAX	VTSMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.11%	4.97%	-0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.11%	10.13%	-0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.18%	12.89%	-0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.80%	17.47%	-3.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.71%	18.43%	-5.72%

AMFAX vs. VTSMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AMFAX has a 1.72% expense ratio, which is higher than VTSMX's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

AMFAX vs. VTSMX - Dividend Comparison

AMFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.68%, more than VTSMX's 0.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AMFAX AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class A	1.68%	1.84%	1.28%	0.30%	32.70%	5.74%	3.14%	4.71%	1.31%	0.00%	0.00%	4.92%
VTSMX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares	0.96%	0.75%	0.89%	1.33%	1.54%	1.11%	1.33%	1.67%	1.92%	1.61%	1.83%	1.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AMFAX and VTSMX in my portfolio?

AMFAX and VTSMX have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AMFAX or VTSMX?

VTSMX has higher volatility (4.97%) compared to AMFAX (4.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AMFAX dropped -36.84% vs VTSMX's -55.38%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTSMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.73), 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.