CAVAX vs. VFFSX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

CAVAX (SEI Catholic Values Trust Catholic Values Equity Fund) and VFFSX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, CAVAX returned 8.37%/yr vs 13.04%/yr for VFFSX. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CAVAX charges 0.86%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for VFFSX.

Performance

CAVAX vs. VFFSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Catholic Values Trust Catholic Values Equity Fund (CAVAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VFFSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CAVAX achieves a 7.02% return, which is significantly lower than VFFSX's 8.10% return.

CAVAX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -1.20%
• YTD: 7.02%
• 6M: 5.82%
• 1Y: 17.77%
• 3Y*: 16.73%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 12.35%

VFFSX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -2.04%
• YTD: 8.10%
• 6M: 6.78%
• 1Y: 22.22%
• 3Y*: 20.77%
• 5Y*: 13.04%
• 10Y*: —

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

CAVAX vs. VFFSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CAVAX SEI Catholic Values Trust Catholic Values Equity Fund	7.02%	15.45%	16.72%	21.33%	-18.51%	20.57%	17.33%	26.63%	-10.24%	23.69%
VFFSX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares	8.10%	17.87%	25.00%	26.28%	-18.14%	29.24%	18.35%	31.88%	-4.42%	20.80%

Correlation

The correlation between CAVAX and VFFSX is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2017	0.95

The correlation between CAVAX and VFFSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CAVAX vs. VFFSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CAVAX

CAVAX Risk / Return Rank: 38
CAVAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
CAVAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CAVAX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
CAVAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
CAVAX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VFFSX

VFFSX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VFFSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VFFSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VFFSX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VFFSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VFFSX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

CAVAX vs. VFFSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Catholic Values Trust Catholic Values Equity Fund (CAVAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VFFSX). 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.

	CAVAX	VFFSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.79	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	2.44	-0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.32	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	2.51	-0.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.53	11.22	-2.69

CAVAX vs. VFFSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CAVAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the VFFSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CAVAX and VFFSX, 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

CAVAX vs. VFFSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CAVAX drawdown since its inception was -36.55%, which is greater than VFFSX's maximum drawdown of -33.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CAVAX and VFFSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CAVAX	VFFSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.55%	-33.82%	-2.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.49%	-8.90%	+0.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.95%	-18.75%	+0.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.51%	-24.51%	-2.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.55%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.58%	-3.22%	+0.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.04%	-4.49%	-0.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	1.99%	+0.05%

Volatility

CAVAX vs. VFFSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Catholic Values Trust Catholic Values Equity Fund (CAVAX) is 4.23%, while Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VFFSX) has a volatility of 4.88%. This indicates that CAVAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFFSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CAVAX	VFFSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	4.88%	-0.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.57%	9.90%	-0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.27%	12.54%	-0.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.16%	17.00%	-0.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.35%	18.42%	-1.07%

CAVAX vs. VFFSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CAVAX has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is higher than VFFSX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

CAVAX vs. VFFSX - Dividend Comparison

CAVAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.29%, more than VFFSX's 1.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
CAVAX SEI Catholic Values Trust Catholic Values Equity Fund	6.29%	6.73%	7.01%	1.29%	3.67%	16.58%	2.98%	2.80%	5.66%	0.71%	0.99%
VFFSX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares	1.07%	1.14%	1.24%	1.46%	1.70%	1.61%	1.56%	2.15%	2.09%	1.81%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CAVAX and VFFSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, CAVAX and VFFSX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, CAVAX or VFFSX?

VFFSX has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to CAVAX (4.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CAVAX dropped -36.55% vs VFFSX's -33.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFFSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 1.43), 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.