RFNBX vs. VSMPX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RFNBX (American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R2) and VSMPX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. RFNBX is actively managed, while VSMPX is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RFNBX returned 13.91%/yr vs 15.08%/yr for VSMPX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. RFNBX charges 1.36%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for VSMPX.

Performance

RFNBX vs. VSMPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R2 (RFNBX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RFNBX achieves a 14.47% return, which is significantly higher than VSMPX's 10.73% return. Over the past 10 years, RFNBX has underperformed VSMPX with an annualized return of 13.91%, while VSMPX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.08% annualized return.

RFNBX

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: 2.40%
• YTD: 14.47%
• 6M: 14.73%
• 1Y: 32.10%
• 3Y*: 23.89%
• 5Y*: 14.20%
• 10Y*: 13.91%

VSMPX

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 10.73%
• 6M: 9.94%
• 1Y: 27.59%
• 3Y*: 20.69%
• 5Y*: 12.89%
• 10Y*: 15.08%

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

RFNBX vs. VSMPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RFNBX American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R2	14.47%	23.22%	21.80%	24.89%	-17.32%	21.49%	12.51%	26.09%	-8.89%	21.82%
VSMPX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	10.73%	17.15%	23.26%	26.53%	-19.50%	25.74%	21.01%	30.79%	-5.16%	21.19%

Correlation

The correlation between RFNBX and VSMPX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.97

The correlation between RFNBX and VSMPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RFNBX vs. VSMPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RFNBX

RFNBX Risk / Return Rank: 65
RFNBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
RFNBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
RFNBX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
RFNBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
RFNBX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

VSMPX

VSMPX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VSMPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VSMPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VSMPX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VSMPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VSMPX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

RFNBX vs. VSMPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R2 (RFNBX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX). 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.

	RFNBX	VSMPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	2.14	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.95	2.90	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.38	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	3.08	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.30	13.79	-0.50

RFNBX vs. VSMPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RFNBX Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the VSMPX Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RFNBX and VSMPX, 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

RFNBX vs. VSMPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RFNBX drawdown since its inception was -53.81%, which is greater than VSMPX's maximum drawdown of -34.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RFNBX and VSMPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RFNBX	VSMPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.81%	-34.97%	-18.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.78%	-8.92%	-1.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.11%	-19.36%	+1.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.53%	-25.35%	-0.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.96%	-34.97%	+1.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	-1.13%	+0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.23%	-4.58%	-2.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.40%	1.99%	+0.41%

Volatility

RFNBX vs. VSMPX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R2 (RFNBX) has a higher volatility of 5.65% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX) at 4.88%. This indicates that RFNBX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSMPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RFNBX	VSMPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.65%	4.88%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.79%	10.11%	+1.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.61%	12.80%	+1.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.94%	17.45%	-0.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.80%	18.45%	-0.65%

RFNBX vs. VSMPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RFNBX has a 1.36% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMPX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

RFNBX vs. VSMPX - Dividend Comparison

RFNBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.67%, more than VSMPX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFNBX American Funds Fundamental Investors Fund Class R2	6.67%	7.90%	8.19%	5.13%	4.16%	10.27%	0.83%	6.20%	8.38%	6.54%	3.99%	5.32%
VSMPX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	1.03%	1.13%	1.27%	1.43%	1.67%	1.22%	1.43%	1.78%	2.05%	1.73%	1.95%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RFNBX and VSMPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, RFNBX and VSMPX 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, RFNBX or VSMPX?

RFNBX has higher volatility (5.65%) compared to VSMPX (4.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RFNBX dropped -53.81% vs VSMPX's -34.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFNBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 2.14), 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.