LSPIX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

LSPIX (LoCorr Spectrum Income Fund) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, LSPIX returned 4.92%/yr vs 9.88%/yr for VBAIX. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LSPIX charges 1.73%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

LSPIX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in LoCorr Spectrum Income Fund (LSPIX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with LSPIX having a 6.89% return and VBAIX slightly higher at 7.19%. Over the past 10 years, LSPIX has underperformed VBAIX with an annualized return of 4.92%, while VBAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.88% annualized return.

LSPIX

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 0.01%
• 6M: 3.62%
• YTD: 6.89%
• 1Y: 10.92%
• 3Y*: 10.20%
• 5Y*: 3.38%
• 10Y*: 4.92%

VBAIX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 1.12%
• 6M: 5.62%
• YTD: 7.19%
• 1Y: 15.19%
• 3Y*: 15.23%
• 5Y*: 7.91%
• 10Y*: 9.88%

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

LSPIX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LSPIX LoCorr Spectrum Income Fund	6.89%	9.86%	9.14%	2.04%	-8.59%	21.49%	-2.64%	18.75%	-7.91%	3.86%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.19%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between LSPIX and VBAIX is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2014	0.67

The correlation between LSPIX and VBAIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (1 year) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

LSPIX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LSPIX

LSPIX Risk / Return Rank: 33
LSPIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
LSPIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
LSPIX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
LSPIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
LSPIX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VBAIX 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.

LSPIX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for LoCorr Spectrum Income Fund (LSPIX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). 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.

	LSPIX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	1.77	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.51	-0.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.32	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	2.53	-0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.23	11.09	-5.86

LSPIX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LSPIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is comparable to the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LSPIX and VBAIX, 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

LSPIX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LSPIX drawdown since its inception was -43.64%, which is greater than VBAIX's maximum drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LSPIX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LSPIX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.64%	-35.82%	-7.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.02%	-5.84%	-0.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.07%	-11.57%	-1.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.93%	-21.52%	+2.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.64%	-22.77%	-20.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.20%	-0.19%	-2.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.43%	-4.41%	-4.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	1.33%	+0.80%

Volatility

LSPIX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for LoCorr Spectrum Income Fund (LSPIX) is 2.42%, while Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) has a volatility of 2.83%. This indicates that LSPIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LSPIX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.42%	2.83%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.62%	6.74%	-0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.75%	8.36%	+0.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.85%	11.18%	+0.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.20%	11.24%	+3.96%

LSPIX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

LSPIX has a 1.73% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

LSPIX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

LSPIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.70%, more than VBAIX's 5.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LSPIX LoCorr Spectrum Income Fund	8.70%	8.91%	8.96%	8.96%	11.00%	6.91%	7.83%	7.56%	9.60%	8.13%	7.80%	7.71%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.32%	6.01%	8.01%	4.36%	2.84%	3.20%	2.65%	2.29%	2.33%	1.96%	2.10%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LSPIX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

LSPIX and VBAIX have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LSPIX or VBAIX?

VBAIX has higher volatility (2.83%) compared to LSPIX (2.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LSPIX dropped -43.64% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.28), 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.