FSS vs. VPMAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FSS (Federal Signal Corporation) is a stock, while VPMAX (Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares) is Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, FSS returned 26.27%/yr vs 18.27%/yr for VPMAX. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

FSS vs. VPMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federal Signal Corporation (FSS) and Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares (VPMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSS achieves a 9.14% return, which is significantly lower than VPMAX's 25.44% return. Over the past 10 years, FSS has outperformed VPMAX with an annualized return of 26.27%, while VPMAX has yielded a comparatively lower 18.27% annualized return.

FSS

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 4.96%
• YTD: 9.14%
• 6M: 3.87%
• 1Y: 15.40%
• 3Y*: 24.70%
• 5Y*: 25.00%
• 10Y*: 26.27%

VPMAX

• 1D: -3.36%
• 1M: 4.55%
• YTD: 25.44%
• 6M: 23.98%
• 1Y: 53.96%
• 3Y*: 27.28%
• 5Y*: 15.79%
• 10Y*: 18.27%

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

FSS vs. VPMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSS Federal Signal Corporation	9.14%	18.21%	21.05%	66.26%	8.22%	31.80%	3.99%	63.92%	0.39%	30.79%
VPMAX Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares	25.44%	29.70%	13.30%	28.25%	-15.16%	21.72%	17.23%	27.88%	-1.93%	28.28%

Correlation

The correlation between FSS and VPMAX 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	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2001	0.58

The correlation between FSS and VPMAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.44 (1 year) to 0.58 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FSS vs. VPMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSS

FSS Risk / Return Rank: 56
FSS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
FSS Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
FSS Omega Ratio Rank: 53
FSS Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FSS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

VPMAX

VPMAX Risk / Return Rank: 92
VPMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
VPMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
VPMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
VPMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VPMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

FSS vs. VPMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federal Signal Corporation (FSS) and Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares (VPMAX). 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.

	FSS	VPMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.44	3.16	-2.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.93	4.13	-3.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.56	-0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.81	4.82	-4.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.41	21.83	-20.43

FSS vs. VPMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSS Sharpe Ratio is 0.44, which is lower than the VPMAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSS and VPMAX, 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

FSS vs. VPMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSS drawdown since its inception was -83.43%, which is greater than VPMAX's maximum drawdown of -48.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSS and VPMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSS	VPMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.43%	-48.32%	-35.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.04%	-11.72%	-7.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.54%	-20.55%	-10.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.96%	-25.21%	-7.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.96%	-32.65%	-0.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.55%	-3.36%	-5.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.56%	-6.57%	-15.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.98%	2.58%	+8.40%

Volatility

FSS vs. VPMAX - Volatility Comparison

Federal Signal Corporation (FSS) has a higher volatility of 9.92% compared to Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares (VPMAX) at 9.16%. This indicates that FSS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSS	VPMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.92%	9.16%	+0.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.73%	15.12%	+8.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.60%	17.90%	+17.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.75%	18.61%	+12.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.64%	19.32%	+12.32%

Dividends

FSS vs. VPMAX - Dividend Comparison

FSS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.49%, less than VPMAX's 13.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSS Federal Signal Corporation	0.49%	0.52%	0.52%	0.51%	0.77%	0.83%	0.96%	0.99%	1.56%	1.39%	1.79%	1.58%
VPMAX Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares	13.12%	16.46%	6.71%	7.24%	9.94%	10.18%	9.82%	7.23%	8.43%	4.52%	5.13%	5.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSS and VPMAX in my portfolio?

FSS and VPMAX 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, FSS or VPMAX?

FSS has higher volatility (9.92%) compared to VPMAX (9.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSS dropped -83.43% vs VPMAX's -48.32%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.16 vs 0.43), 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.