GMLGX vs. VFFSX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GMLGX (GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund) and VFFSX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, GMLGX returned 11.40%/yr vs 14.27%/yr for VFFSX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GMLGX charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for VFFSX.

Performance

GMLGX vs. VFFSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund (GMLGX) 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, GMLGX achieves a 7.49% return, which is significantly lower than VFFSX's 11.71% return.

GMLGX

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 3.72%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 6M: 7.90%
• 1Y: 22.67%
• 3Y*: 19.75%
• 5Y*: 11.40%
• 10Y*: 13.64%

VFFSX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 5.80%
• YTD: 11.71%
• 6M: 11.74%
• 1Y: 28.99%
• 3Y*: 22.76%
• 5Y*: 14.27%
• 10Y*: —

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

GMLGX vs. VFFSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GMLGX GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund	7.49%	14.26%	22.35%	25.27%	-19.10%	26.33%	22.21%	28.12%	-5.53%	19.62%
VFFSX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares	11.71%	17.87%	25.00%	26.28%	-18.14%	29.24%	18.35%	31.88%	-4.42%	20.80%

Correlation

The correlation between GMLGX and VFFSX is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2017	0.97

The correlation between GMLGX and VFFSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GMLGX vs. VFFSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GMLGX

GMLGX Risk / Return Rank: 44
GMLGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
GMLGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
GMLGX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
GMLGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
GMLGX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

VFFSX

VFFSX Risk / Return Rank: 73
VFFSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
VFFSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VFFSX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VFFSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VFFSX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

GMLGX vs. VFFSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund (GMLGX) 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.

	GMLGX	VFFSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	2.52	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.76	3.42	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.46	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	3.36	-0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.57	15.70	-5.13
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GMLGX vs. VFFSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GMLGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the VFFSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GMLGX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GMLGX	VFFSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.95	2.52	-0.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65	0.85	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.86	-0.47

Drawdowns

GMLGX vs. VFFSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GMLGX drawdown since its inception was -56.56%, which is greater than VFFSX's maximum drawdown of -33.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GMLGX and VFFSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GMLGX	VFFSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.56%	-33.82%	-22.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.59%	-8.90%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.36%	-18.75%	-1.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.54%	-24.51%	-1.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.15%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	0.00%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.45%	-4.50%	-4.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.24%	1.90%	+0.34%

Volatility

GMLGX vs. VFFSX - Volatility Comparison

GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund (GMLGX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VFFSX) have volatilities of 2.89% and 2.83%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GMLGX	VFFSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.89%	2.83%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.95%	8.98%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.17%	11.86%	+0.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.63%	16.90%	+0.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.67%	18.41%	+0.26%

GMLGX vs. VFFSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GMLGX has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than VFFSX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

GMLGX vs. VFFSX - Dividend Comparison

GMLGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.20%, more than VFFSX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GMLGX GuideMark Large Cap Core Fund	17.20%	18.49%	4.20%	0.75%	10.27%	3.03%	0.38%	1.01%	2.22%	4.25%	2.99%	3.08%
VFFSX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares	1.03%	1.14%	1.24%	1.46%	1.70%	1.61%	1.56%	2.15%	2.09%	1.81%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GMLGX and VFFSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, GMLGX 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, GMLGX or VFFSX?

GMLGX has higher volatility (2.89%) compared to VFFSX (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GMLGX dropped -56.56% vs VFFSX's -33.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFFSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.95), 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.