GAPAX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GAPAX (Goldman Sachs Dynamic Global Equity Fund Class A) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - GAPAX is a Global Equities fund managed by Goldman Sachs, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, GAPAX returned 13.61%/yr vs 15.76%/yr for VFIAX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GAPAX charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

GAPAX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Dynamic Global Equity Fund Class A (GAPAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GAPAX achieves a 11.96% return, which is significantly higher than VFIAX's 9.77% return. Over the past 10 years, GAPAX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 13.61%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.76% annualized return.

GAPAX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 1.85%
• YTD: 11.96%
• 6M: 11.20%
• 1Y: 28.97%
• 3Y*: 22.30%
• 5Y*: 11.67%
• 10Y*: 13.61%

VFIAX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 6M: 8.77%
• 1Y: 25.48%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 13.57%
• 10Y*: 15.76%

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

GAPAX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GAPAX Goldman Sachs Dynamic Global Equity Fund Class A	11.96%	21.27%	24.08%	20.25%	-19.30%	20.10%	13.19%	31.33%	-11.39%	25.97%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.77%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between GAPAX and VFIAX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.93

The correlation between GAPAX and VFIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GAPAX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GAPAX

GAPAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
GAPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
GAPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
GAPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
GAPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
GAPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

GAPAX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Dynamic Global Equity Fund Class A (GAPAX) 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.

	GAPAX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	2.15	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	2.91	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.39	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.96	3.01	-0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.86	13.60	-0.73

GAPAX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GAPAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GAPAX 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

GAPAX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GAPAX drawdown since its inception was -58.88%, which is greater than VFIAX's maximum drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAPAX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GAPAX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.88%	-55.20%	-3.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.28%	-8.90%	-1.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.34%	-18.75%	+0.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.13%	-24.53%	-6.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.31%	-33.83%	-2.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.67%	-1.72%	+1.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.81%	-9.38%	-2.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.36%	1.97%	+0.39%

Volatility

GAPAX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs Dynamic Global Equity Fund Class A (GAPAX) has a higher volatility of 5.52% compared to Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) at 4.67%. This indicates that GAPAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GAPAX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.52%	4.67%	+0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.49%	9.84%	+1.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.93%	12.50%	+1.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.17%	16.99%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.05%	18.11%	-0.06%

GAPAX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GAPAX has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

GAPAX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

GAPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.90%, more than VFIAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GAPAX Goldman Sachs Dynamic Global Equity Fund Class A	12.90%	14.45%	14.69%	5.01%	6.35%	12.40%	2.34%	9.86%	2.64%	1.96%	1.16%	0.97%
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 GAPAX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, GAPAX and VFIAX 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, GAPAX or VFIAX?

GAPAX has higher volatility (5.52%) compared to VFIAX (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAPAX dropped -58.88% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GAPAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 2.15), 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.