RFKTX vs. VFFVX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RFKTX (American Funds 2055 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6) and VFFVX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, RFKTX returned 12.38%/yr vs 11.96%/yr for VFFVX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. RFKTX charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VFFVX.

Performance

RFKTX vs. VFFVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds 2055 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6 (RFKTX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund (VFFVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFKTX achieves a 10.95% return, which is significantly lower than VFFVX's 12.17% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with RFKTX having a 12.38% annualized return and VFFVX not far behind at 11.96%.

RFKTX

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 4.89%
• YTD: 10.95%
• 6M: 11.67%
• 1Y: 26.29%
• 3Y*: 19.70%
• 5Y*: 10.20%
• 10Y*: 12.38%

VFFVX

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 5.19%
• YTD: 12.17%
• 6M: 13.09%
• 1Y: 28.26%
• 3Y*: 19.73%
• 5Y*: 10.39%
• 10Y*: 11.96%

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

RFKTX vs. VFFVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFKTX American Funds 2055 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6	10.95%	20.76%	15.58%	21.41%	-19.48%	17.33%	19.41%	25.06%	-5.64%	22.63%
VFFVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund	12.17%	21.44%	14.50%	20.39%	-17.48%	16.44%	16.33%	24.98%	-7.88%	21.39%

Correlation

The correlation between RFKTX and VFFVX 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	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2011	0.98

The correlation between RFKTX and VFFVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RFKTX vs. VFFVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFKTX

RFKTX Risk / Return Rank: 57
RFKTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
RFKTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
RFKTX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
RFKTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
RFKTX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VFFVX

VFFVX Risk / Return Rank: 71
VFFVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VFFVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VFFVX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VFFVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VFFVX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

RFKTX vs. VFFVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds 2055 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6 (RFKTX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund (VFFVX). 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.

	RFKTX	VFFVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.51	-0.25
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.15	3.46	-0.31
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.46	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	3.21	-0.44
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.58	14.23	-1.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RFKTX vs. VFFVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFKTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the VFFVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFKTX and VFFVX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RFKTX	VFFVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26	2.51	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70	0.74	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83	0.80	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.77	0.77	+0.01

Drawdowns

RFKTX vs. VFFVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFKTX drawdown since its inception was -29.29%, smaller than the maximum VFFVX drawdown of -31.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFKTX and VFFVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFKTX	VFFVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.29%	-31.40%	+2.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.70%	-8.93%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.34%	-14.52%	-0.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.11%	-25.39%	-1.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.29%	-31.40%	+2.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.22%	-4.14%	-0.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	2.01%	+0.12%

Volatility

RFKTX vs. VFFVX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds 2055 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6 (RFKTX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund (VFFVX) have volatilities of 3.47% and 3.37%, 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

	RFKTX	VFFVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.47%	3.37%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.56%	9.08%	+0.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.91%	11.42%	+0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.60%	14.18%	+0.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.04%	15.10%	-0.06%

RFKTX vs. VFFVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFKTX has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VFFVX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFKTX vs. VFFVX - Dividend Comparison

RFKTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.33%, more than VFFVX's 1.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFKTX American Funds 2055 Target Date Retirement Fund Class R6	5.33%	5.92%	3.49%	2.50%	7.19%	4.41%	3.22%	4.18%	4.77%	2.43%	3.45%	4.32%
VFFVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund	1.85%	2.08%	2.31%	2.18%	2.19%	10.03%	1.82%	2.15%	2.35%	1.83%	1.99%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFKTX and VFFVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, RFKTX and VFFVX 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, RFKTX or VFFVX?

RFKTX has higher volatility (3.47%) compared to VFFVX (3.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFKTX dropped -29.29% vs VFFVX's -31.40%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFFVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.51 vs 2.26), 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.