PSPCX vs. VINIX

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

PSPCX (PIMCO StocksPLUS Fund Class C) and VINIX (Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both S&P 500 funds. PSPCX is actively managed, while VINIX is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSPCX returned 14.30%/yr vs 15.64%/yr for VINIX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSPCX charges 1.69%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VINIX.

Performance

PSPCX vs. VINIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO StocksPLUS Fund Class C (PSPCX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares (VINIX). 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 PSPCX having a 10.02% return and VINIX slightly higher at 10.18%. Over the past 10 years, PSPCX has underperformed VINIX with an annualized return of 14.30%, while VINIX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.64% annualized return.

PSPCX

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 1.17%
• YTD: 10.02%
• 6M: 1.74%
• 1Y: 16.93%
• 3Y*: 15.92%
• 5Y*: 9.87%
• 10Y*: 14.30%

VINIX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 1.03%
• YTD: 10.18%
• 6M: 10.39%
• 1Y: 26.90%
• 3Y*: 21.37%
• 5Y*: 14.22%
• 10Y*: 15.64%

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

PSPCX vs. VINIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSPCX PIMCO StocksPLUS Fund Class C	10.02%	7.00%	22.72%	24.17%	-21.92%	26.86%	17.29%	47.57%	-6.34%	21.34%
VINIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares	10.18%	17.85%	26.28%	25.77%	-18.15%	28.67%	18.40%	31.46%	-4.42%	21.79%

Correlation

The correlation between PSPCX and VINIX is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 1994	0.94

The correlation between PSPCX and VINIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSPCX vs. VINIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSPCX

PSPCX Risk / Return Rank: 16
PSPCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
PSPCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
PSPCX Omega Ratio Rank: 23
PSPCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
PSPCX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

VINIX

VINIX Risk / Return Rank: 71
VINIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VINIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VINIX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VINIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VINIX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

PSPCX vs. VINIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO StocksPLUS Fund Class C (PSPCX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares (VINIX). 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.

	PSPCX	VINIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	2.17	-1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.44	2.93	-1.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.39	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.09	3.04	-1.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.17	13.73	-10.56

PSPCX vs. VINIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSPCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is lower than the VINIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSPCX and VINIX, 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

PSPCX vs. VINIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSPCX drawdown since its inception was -63.07%, which is greater than VINIX's maximum drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSPCX and VINIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSPCX	VINIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.07%	-55.19%	-7.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.74%	-8.90%	-6.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.40%	-18.75%	-1.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.83%	-24.51%	-3.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.46%	-33.79%	-2.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.23%	-1.36%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.94%	-8.52%	-2.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.37%	1.96%	+3.41%

Volatility

PSPCX vs. VINIX - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO StocksPLUS Fund Class C (PSPCX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares (VINIX) have volatilities of 4.60% and 4.77%, 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

	PSPCX	VINIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.60%	4.77%	-0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.12%	9.91%	+3.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.06%	12.47%	+2.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.70%	16.99%	+0.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.94%	18.10%	+0.84%

PSPCX vs. VINIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSPCX has a 1.69% expense ratio, which is higher than VINIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSPCX vs. VINIX - Dividend Comparison

PSPCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 18.41%, more than VINIX's 2.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSPCX PIMCO StocksPLUS Fund Class C	18.41%	16.57%	14.61%	2.25%	11.36%	16.99%	4.05%	27.22%	23.19%	0.76%	0.40%	11.53%
VINIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.43%	2.10%	3.64%	2.65%	3.38%	4.77%	3.06%	2.85%	2.43%	1.82%	2.36%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSPCX and VINIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, PSPCX and VINIX 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, PSPCX or VINIX?

VINIX has higher volatility (4.77%) compared to PSPCX (4.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSPCX dropped -63.07% vs VINIX's -55.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VINIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.13), 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.