IPFCX vs. VTMFX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

IPFCX (Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund) and VTMFX (Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, IPFCX returned 9.91%/yr vs 8.63%/yr for VTMFX. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IPFCX charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VTMFX.

Performance

IPFCX vs. VTMFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund (IPFCX) and Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares (VTMFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IPFCX achieves a 11.92% return, which is significantly higher than VTMFX's 4.50% return. Over the past 10 years, IPFCX has outperformed VTMFX with an annualized return of 9.91%, while VTMFX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.63% annualized return.

IPFCX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.99%
• YTD: 11.92%
• 6M: 11.02%
• 1Y: 23.13%
• 3Y*: 14.69%
• 5Y*: 8.85%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

VTMFX

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 4.50%
• 6M: 3.95%
• 1Y: 13.59%
• 3Y*: 11.82%
• 5Y*: 6.79%
• 10Y*: 8.63%

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

IPFCX vs. VTMFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IPFCX Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund	11.92%	16.22%	6.67%	6.64%	-1.31%	30.14%	4.29%	20.56%	-10.49%	6.01%
VTMFX Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares	4.50%	11.28%	12.17%	15.55%	-12.69%	13.10%	13.31%	18.01%	-1.40%	12.61%

Correlation

The correlation between IPFCX and VTMFX is 0.63, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2015	0.76

The correlation between IPFCX and VTMFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (1 year) to 0.76 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

IPFCX vs. VTMFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

IPFCX

IPFCX Risk / Return Rank: 91
IPFCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
IPFCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
IPFCX Omega Ratio Rank: 87
IPFCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
IPFCX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

VTMFX

VTMFX Risk / Return Rank: 64
VTMFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VTMFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VTMFX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTMFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
VTMFX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

IPFCX vs. VTMFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund (IPFCX) and Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares (VTMFX). 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.

	IPFCX	VTMFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.85	2.20	+0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.33	3.10	+1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.42	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.17	2.65	+1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.78	12.34	+3.44

IPFCX vs. VTMFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IPFCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.85, which is comparable to the VTMFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IPFCX and VTMFX, 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

IPFCX vs. VTMFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IPFCX drawdown since its inception was -32.10%, which is greater than VTMFX's maximum drawdown of -28.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IPFCX and VTMFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IPFCX	VTMFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.10%	-28.49%	-3.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.67%	-5.38%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.33%	-10.61%	+1.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.33%	-17.40%	+3.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.10%	-21.87%	-10.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.07%	-1.45%	+0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.05%	-3.54%	-0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.50%	1.15%	+0.35%

Volatility

IPFCX vs. VTMFX - Volatility Comparison

Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund (IPFCX) has a higher volatility of 2.76% compared to Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares (VTMFX) at 2.56%. This indicates that IPFCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTMFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IPFCX	VTMFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.76%	2.56%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.34%	5.22%	+1.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.32%	6.49%	+1.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.17%	8.57%	+2.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.54%	9.14%	+4.40%

IPFCX vs. VTMFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IPFCX has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than VTMFX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

IPFCX vs. VTMFX - Dividend Comparison

IPFCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.41%, more than VTMFX's 2.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IPFCX Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund	8.41%	9.41%	7.31%	4.20%	8.55%	12.98%	1.94%	7.73%	5.24%	2.35%	3.78%	4.78%
VTMFX Vanguard Tax-Managed Balanced Fund Admiral Shares	2.14%	2.14%	2.08%	1.94%	1.85%	1.38%	1.72%	2.05%	2.22%	2.00%	2.13%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IPFCX and VTMFX in my portfolio?

IPFCX and VTMFX have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IPFCX or VTMFX?

IPFCX has higher volatility (2.76%) compared to VTMFX (2.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IPFCX dropped -32.10% vs VTMFX's -28.49%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IPFCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.85 vs 2.20), 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.