AVEFX vs. VFIFX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AVEFX (Ave Maria Bond Fund) and VFIFX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund) are both mutual funds - AVEFX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by Ave Maria Mutual Funds, while VFIFX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, AVEFX returned 3.78%/yr vs 11.75%/yr for VFIFX. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AVEFX charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VFIFX.

Performance

AVEFX vs. VFIFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ave Maria Bond Fund (AVEFX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVEFX achieves a 0.79% return, which is significantly lower than VFIFX's 11.49% return. Over the past 10 years, AVEFX has underperformed VFIFX with an annualized return of 3.78%, while VFIFX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.75% annualized return.

AVEFX

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: -0.58%
• YTD: 0.79%
• 6M: 0.77%
• 1Y: 3.51%
• 3Y*: 5.44%
• 5Y*: 2.92%
• 10Y*: 3.78%

VFIFX

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 11.49%
• 6M: 11.33%
• 1Y: 27.52%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 10.41%
• 10Y*: 11.75%

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

AVEFX vs. VFIFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AVEFX Ave Maria Bond Fund	0.79%	5.63%	5.71%	5.16%	-2.84%	4.38%	5.60%	8.30%	0.41%	4.16%
VFIFX Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund	11.49%	21.42%	14.45%	20.39%	-17.48%	16.42%	16.40%	24.99%	-7.89%	19.15%

Correlation

The correlation between AVEFX and VFIFX 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	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 7, 2006	0.67

Over the past year, the correlation between AVEFX and VFIFX has dropped to 0.44 - well below their long-term average of 0.67, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

AVEFX vs. VFIFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVEFX

AVEFX Risk / Return Rank: 18
AVEFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
AVEFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
AVEFX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
AVEFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
AVEFX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

VFIFX

VFIFX Risk / Return Rank: 70
VFIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VFIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VFIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VFIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VFIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

AVEFX vs. VFIFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ave Maria Bond Fund (AVEFX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX). 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.

	AVEFX	VFIFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.24	2.25	-1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.85	3.09	-1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.41	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	3.06	-1.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.45	13.25	-9.80

AVEFX vs. VFIFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVEFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.24, which is lower than the VFIFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVEFX and VFIFX, 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

AVEFX vs. VFIFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVEFX drawdown since its inception was -10.24%, smaller than the maximum VFIFX drawdown of -51.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVEFX and VFIFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVEFX	VFIFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.24%	-51.68%	+41.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.75%	-8.87%	+6.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.82%	-14.54%	+11.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.57%	-25.40%	+17.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-10.24%	-31.36%	+21.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.75%	-0.51%	-2.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.97%	-6.87%	+5.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.07%	2.04%	-0.97%

Volatility

AVEFX vs. VFIFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Ave Maria Bond Fund (AVEFX) is 0.95%, while Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX) has a volatility of 4.86%. This indicates that AVEFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFIFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVEFX	VFIFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.95%	4.86%	-3.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.30%	9.97%	-7.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.99%	12.06%	-9.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.14%	14.29%	-10.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.02%	15.15%	-11.13%

AVEFX vs. VFIFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVEFX has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIFX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVEFX vs. VFIFX - Dividend Comparison

AVEFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.49%, more than VFIFX's 1.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVEFX Ave Maria Bond Fund	3.49%	3.51%	2.94%	2.47%	3.59%	2.32%	2.43%	3.31%	3.21%	2.04%	2.94%	1.89%
VFIFX Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund	1.87%	2.09%	2.26%	2.21%	2.38%	12.83%	1.84%	2.20%	2.51%	0.03%	2.04%	2.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVEFX and VFIFX in my portfolio?

AVEFX and VFIFX 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, AVEFX or VFIFX?

VFIFX has higher volatility (4.86%) compared to AVEFX (0.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVEFX dropped -10.24% vs VFIFX's -51.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 1.24), 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.