MMRIX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

MMRIX (MainStay Moderate Allocation Fund) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, MMRIX returned 7.12%/yr vs 9.88%/yr for VBAIX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MMRIX charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

MMRIX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MMRIX achieves a 8.23% return, which is significantly higher than VBAIX's 7.19% return. Over the past 10 years, MMRIX has underperformed VBAIX with an annualized return of 7.12%, while VBAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.88% annualized return.

MMRIX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.91%
• 6M: 6.08%
• YTD: 8.23%
• 1Y: 15.04%
• 3Y*: 11.83%
• 5Y*: 5.81%
• 10Y*: 7.12%

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)

MMRIX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MMRIX MainStay Moderate Allocation Fund	8.23%	11.38%	8.84%	13.65%	-13.76%	12.21%	13.01%	18.20%	-8.86%	12.11%
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 MMRIX and VBAIX is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2005	0.96

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

Return for Risk

MMRIX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MMRIX

MMRIX Risk / Return Rank: 60
MMRIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
MMRIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
MMRIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
MMRIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
MMRIX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

MMRIX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MainStay Moderate Allocation Fund (MMRIX) 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.

	MMRIX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.77	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	2.51	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.32	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.27	2.53	-0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.89	11.09	-1.21

MMRIX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MMRIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MMRIX 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

MMRIX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MMRIX drawdown since its inception was -35.91%, roughly equal to the maximum VBAIX drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MMRIX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MMRIX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.91%	-35.82%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.40%	-5.84%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.10%	-11.57%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.40%	-21.52%	+1.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.34%	-22.77%	-1.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	-0.19%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.47%	-4.41%	-0.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.47%	1.33%	+0.14%

Volatility

MMRIX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

MainStay Moderate Allocation Fund (MMRIX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) have volatilities of 2.96% 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

	MMRIX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.96%	2.83%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.03%	6.74%	+0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.42%	8.36%	+0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.47%	11.18%	-0.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.16%	11.24%	+0.92%

MMRIX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MMRIX has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

MMRIX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

MMRIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.09%, less than VBAIX's 5.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MMRIX MainStay Moderate Allocation Fund	5.09%	5.51%	6.88%	0.60%	5.92%	9.74%	5.89%	4.16%	7.98%	3.23%	1.73%	5.26%
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 MMRIX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, MMRIX and VBAIX 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, MMRIX or VBAIX?

MMRIX has higher volatility (2.96%) compared to VBAIX (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MMRIX dropped -35.91% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.72), 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.