FMSDX vs. VBINX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FMSDX (Fidelity Multi-Asset Income Fund) and VBINX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 5 years, FMSDX returned 6.50%/yr vs 8.31%/yr for VBINX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FMSDX charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for VBINX.

Performance

FMSDX vs. VBINX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Multi-Asset Income Fund (FMSDX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBINX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FMSDX achieves a 7.21% return, which is significantly higher than VBINX's 6.64% return.

FMSDX

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: -0.60%
• YTD: 7.21%
• 6M: 6.66%
• 1Y: 18.67%
• 3Y*: 12.18%
• 5Y*: 6.50%
• 10Y*: —

VBINX

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 0.87%
• YTD: 6.64%
• 6M: 6.23%
• 1Y: 18.06%
• 3Y*: 15.03%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: 9.93%

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

FMSDX vs. VBINX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FMSDX Fidelity Multi-Asset Income Fund	7.21%	14.10%	9.95%	11.75%	-13.67%	17.27%	14.56%	23.14%	-0.91%
VBINX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund	6.64%	13.46%	17.63%	17.41%	-16.98%	13.62%	16.26%	21.67%	-3.75%

Correlation

The correlation between FMSDX and VBINX is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 26, 2018	0.87

The correlation between FMSDX and VBINX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FMSDX vs. VBINX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FMSDX

FMSDX Risk / Return Rank: 44
FMSDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FMSDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
FMSDX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
FMSDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
FMSDX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VBINX

VBINX Risk / Return Rank: 68
VBINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VBINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VBINX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VBINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VBINX 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.

FMSDX vs. VBINX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Multi-Asset Income Fund (FMSDX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBINX). 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.

	FMSDX	VBINX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	2.15	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	3.04	-0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.40	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	3.09	-0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.29	13.68	-4.39

FMSDX vs. VBINX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FMSDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the VBINX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FMSDX and VBINX, 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

FMSDX vs. VBINX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMSDX drawdown since its inception was -21.64%, smaller than the maximum VBINX drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMSDX and VBINX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMSDX	VBINX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.64%	-35.97%	+14.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.47%	-5.84%	-0.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.17%	-11.60%	-1.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.12%	-21.61%	+3.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-22.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.84%	-0.64%	-1.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.80%	-4.14%	+0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	1.31%	+0.64%

Volatility

FMSDX vs. VBINX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Multi-Asset Income Fund (FMSDX) has a higher volatility of 4.15% compared to Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBINX) at 3.32%. This indicates that FMSDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBINX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FMSDX	VBINX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.15%	3.32%	+0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.12%	6.73%	+1.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.54%	8.37%	+2.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.92%	11.17%	-1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.65%	11.27%	-0.62%

FMSDX vs. VBINX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMSDX has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than VBINX's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMSDX vs. VBINX - Dividend Comparison

FMSDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.51%, less than VBINX's 5.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FMSDX Fidelity Multi-Asset Income Fund	3.51%	3.81%	3.84%	4.23%	3.74%	2.81%	1.79%	2.82%	4.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBINX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund	5.14%	5.89%	7.88%	4.25%	2.71%	2.71%	2.54%	2.19%	2.20%	1.83%	1.97%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMSDX and VBINX in my portfolio?

FMSDX and VBINX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FMSDX or VBINX?

FMSDX has higher volatility (4.15%) compared to VBINX (3.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FMSDX dropped -21.64% vs VBINX's -35.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBINX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.72), 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.