FSRKX vs. VBINX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FSRKX (Fidelity Strategic Real Return Fund Class K6) and VBINX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 5 years, FSRKX returned 6.55%/yr vs 8.48%/yr for VBINX. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSRKX charges 0.51%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for VBINX.

Performance

FSRKX vs. VBINX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Strategic Real Return Fund Class K6 (FSRKX) 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, FSRKX achieves a 8.80% return, which is significantly higher than VBINX's 7.32% return.

FSRKX

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 8.80%
• 6M: 9.07%
• 1Y: 16.83%
• 3Y*: 10.33%
• 5Y*: 6.55%
• 10Y*: —

VBINX

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 3.69%
• YTD: 7.32%
• 6M: 7.20%
• 1Y: 19.24%
• 3Y*: 15.97%
• 5Y*: 8.48%
• 10Y*: 9.97%

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

FSRKX vs. VBINX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FSRKX Fidelity Strategic Real Return Fund Class K6	8.80%	10.59%	6.00%	4.81%	-3.13%	16.06%	3.94%	1.66%
VBINX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund	7.32%	13.46%	17.63%	17.41%	-16.98%	13.62%	16.26%	5.58%

Correlation

The correlation between FSRKX and VBINX is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2019	0.61

Over the past year, the correlation between FSRKX and VBINX has dropped to 0.30 - well below their long-term average of 0.61, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

FSRKX vs. VBINX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSRKX

FSRKX Risk / Return Rank: 96
FSRKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
FSRKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
FSRKX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
FSRKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FSRKX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

VBINX

VBINX Risk / Return Rank: 75
VBINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VBINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VBINX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VBINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VBINX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

FSRKX vs. VBINX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Strategic Real Return Fund Class K6 (FSRKX) 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.

	FSRKX	VBINX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.61	2.50	+1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.11	3.57	+1.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.73	1.46	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.79	3.39	+5.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	32.89	15.44	+17.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FSRKX vs. VBINX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSRKX Sharpe Ratio is 3.61, which is higher than the VBINX Sharpe Ratio of 2.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSRKX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FSRKX	VBINX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.61	2.50	+1.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95	0.77	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.89	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.93	0.79	+0.14

Drawdowns

FSRKX vs. VBINX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSRKX drawdown since its inception was -19.93%, smaller than the maximum VBINX drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSRKX and VBINX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSRKX	VBINX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.93%	-35.97%	+16.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.93%	-5.84%	+3.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.84%	-11.60%	+5.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-12.74%	-21.61%	+8.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-22.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	0.00%	-0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.21%	-4.14%	+0.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.51%	1.28%	-0.77%

Volatility

FSRKX vs. VBINX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Strategic Real Return Fund Class K6 (FSRKX) is 1.33%, while Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBINX) has a volatility of 2.26%. This indicates that FSRKX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBINX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSRKX	VBINX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.33%	2.26%	-0.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.67%	6.13%	-2.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.71%	7.91%	-3.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.94%	11.10%	-4.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.79%	11.23%	-3.44%

FSRKX vs. VBINX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSRKX has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is higher than VBINX's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSRKX vs. VBINX - Dividend Comparison

FSRKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.25%, less than VBINX's 5.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSRKX Fidelity Strategic Real Return Fund Class K6	4.25%	4.83%	4.98%	5.38%	7.38%	5.43%	2.31%	1.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBINX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund	5.11%	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 FSRKX and VBINX in my portfolio?

FSRKX and VBINX have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSRKX or VBINX?

VBINX has higher volatility (2.26%) compared to FSRKX (1.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSRKX dropped -19.93% vs VBINX's -35.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSRKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.61 vs 2.50), 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.