MFEM vs. VIIIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MFEM (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and VIIIX (Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) are both funds - MFEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Market Index, while VIIIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MFEM returned 7.53%/yr vs 13.75%/yr for VIIIX. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MFEM charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for VIIIX.

Performance

MFEM vs. VIIIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VIIIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFEM achieves a 22.43% return, which is significantly higher than VIIIX's 9.78% return.

MFEM

• 1D: -4.55%
• 1M: -0.67%
• YTD: 22.43%
• 6M: 23.23%
• 1Y: 40.87%
• 3Y*: 20.13%
• 5Y*: 7.53%
• 10Y*: —

VIIIX

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.78%
• 6M: 8.78%
• 1Y: 25.51%
• 3Y*: 21.80%
• 5Y*: 13.75%
• 10Y*: 15.87%

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

MFEM vs. VIIIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFEM PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	22.43%	25.33%	4.73%	15.14%	-19.50%	10.77%	11.33%	15.26%	-14.64%	4.86%
VIIIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	9.78%	17.87%	26.29%	25.79%	-18.14%	28.69%	18.41%	31.48%	-4.41%	9.44%

Correlation

The correlation between MFEM and VIIIX is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2017	0.67

The correlation between MFEM and VIIIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

MFEM vs. VIIIX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MFEM	VIIIX
Technology	29.1%	39.1%
Financial Services	16.0%	10.9%
Basic Materials	13.8%	1.7%
Industrials	11.3%	7.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	9.9%
Energy	7.5%	3.1%
Communication Services	4.5%	10.7%
Utilities	3.4%	2.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	4.5%
Healthcare	1.4%	8.3%
Real Estate	1.0%	1.8%

Return for Risk

MFEM vs. VIIIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFEM

MFEM Risk / Return Rank: 63
MFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
MFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
MFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 66
MFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
MFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VIIIX

VIIIX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VIIIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VIIIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VIIIX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VIIIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VIIIX 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.

MFEM vs. VIIIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VIIIX). 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.

	MFEM	VIIIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	2.15	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.91	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	3.02	+0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.95	13.62	-2.67

MFEM vs. VIIIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is comparable to the VIIIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFEM and VIIIX, 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

MFEM vs. VIIIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFEM drawdown since its inception was -43.32%, smaller than the maximum VIIIX drawdown of -55.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFEM and VIIIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFEM	VIIIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.32%	-55.18%	+11.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.86%	-8.90%	-3.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.22%	-18.75%	-0.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.84%	-24.50%	-6.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.95%	-1.72%	-6.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.45%	-10.00%	-1.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.74%	1.97%	+1.77%

Volatility

MFEM vs. VIIIX - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) has a higher volatility of 11.67% compared to Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VIIIX) at 4.68%. This indicates that MFEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIIIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFEM	VIIIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.67%	4.68%	+6.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.63%	9.84%	+9.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.40%	12.50%	+8.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.16%	16.98%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.63%	18.11%	+1.52%

MFEM vs. VIIIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFEM has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VIIIX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFEM vs. VIIIX - Dividend Comparison

MFEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than VIIIX's 2.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFEM PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.27%	2.77%	5.89%	4.01%	7.01%	29.96%	1.70%	2.37%	1.18%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%
VIIIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	2.45%	2.11%	3.66%	2.66%	3.39%	4.79%	3.07%	2.86%	2.45%	1.84%	2.38%	2.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFEM and VIIIX in my portfolio?

MFEM and VIIIX have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MFEM or VIIIX?

MFEM has higher volatility (11.67%) compared to VIIIX (4.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFEM dropped -43.32% vs VIIIX's -55.18%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIIIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.92), 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.