BRUFX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BRUFX (Bruce Fund) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - BRUFX is a Diversified Portfolio fund managed by The Bruce Fund, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, BRUFX returned 7.50%/yr vs 15.54%/yr for VFIAX. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BRUFX charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

BRUFX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bruce Fund (BRUFX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with BRUFX having a 10.58% return and VFIAX slightly lower at 10.17%. Over the past 10 years, BRUFX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 7.50%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.54% annualized return.

BRUFX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 10.58%
• 6M: 10.20%
• 1Y: 23.61%
• 3Y*: 10.70%
• 5Y*: 5.56%
• 10Y*: 7.50%

VFIAX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 10.17%
• 6M: 9.67%
• 1Y: 27.15%
• 3Y*: 20.95%
• 5Y*: 14.06%
• 10Y*: 15.54%

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

BRUFX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRUFX Bruce Fund	10.58%	14.89%	4.45%	-0.74%	-8.80%	17.35%	12.06%	22.42%	-3.99%	12.48%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.17%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between BRUFX and VFIAX is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.57

The correlation between BRUFX and VFIAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (1 year) to 0.65 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BRUFX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRUFX

BRUFX Risk / Return Rank: 70
BRUFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
BRUFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
BRUFX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
BRUFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
BRUFX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

BRUFX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bruce Fund (BRUFX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	BRUFX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.25	2.17	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	2.93	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.39	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.10	3.03	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.74	13.72	+0.03

BRUFX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRUFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.25, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRUFX and VFIAX, 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

BRUFX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRUFX drawdown since its inception was -44.50%, smaller than the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRUFX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRUFX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.50%	-55.20%	+10.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.67%	-8.90%	+1.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.66%	-18.75%	+9.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.91%	-24.53%	+6.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.44%	-33.83%	+8.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.82%	-1.36%	+0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.06%	-9.38%	+0.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.73%	1.96%	-0.23%

Volatility

BRUFX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bruce Fund (BRUFX) is 3.07%, while Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) has a volatility of 4.77%. This indicates that BRUFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRUFX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.07%	4.77%	-1.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.16%	9.91%	-1.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.58%	12.47%	-1.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.52%	17.00%	-6.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.61%	18.11%	-6.50%

BRUFX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRUFX has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRUFX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

BRUFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.75%, more than VFIAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BRUFX Bruce Fund	5.75%	6.35%	5.01%	6.46%	13.31%	9.25%	5.83%	2.03%	2.49%	4.11%	6.26%	4.63%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRUFX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

BRUFX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BRUFX or VFIAX?

VFIAX has higher volatility (4.77%) compared to BRUFX (3.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRUFX dropped -44.50% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BRUFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 2.17), 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.