RNPEX vs. VFAIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RNPEX (American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R4) and VFAIX (Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - RNPEX is a Global Equities fund actively managed by American Funds, while VFAIX is a Financials Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Financials 25/50 Index. RNPEX is actively managed, while VFAIX is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RNPEX returned 13.52%/yr vs 13.16%/yr for VFAIX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RNPEX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VFAIX.

Performance

RNPEX vs. VFAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R4 (RNPEX) and Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RNPEX achieves a 6.59% return, which is significantly higher than VFAIX's -1.21% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with RNPEX having a 13.52% annualized return and VFAIX not far behind at 13.16%.

RNPEX

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: 1.99%
• YTD: 6.59%
• 6M: 6.42%
• 1Y: 19.94%
• 3Y*: 17.07%
• 5Y*: 8.63%
• 10Y*: 13.52%

VFAIX

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: -1.21%
• 6M: -2.50%
• 1Y: 9.24%
• 3Y*: 19.62%
• 5Y*: 10.94%
• 10Y*: 13.16%

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

RNPEX vs. VFAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RNPEX American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R4	6.59%	21.28%	16.71%	24.62%	-25.94%	17.60%	33.40%	30.05%	-6.03%	28.84%
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	-1.21%	14.90%	30.46%	14.07%	-12.26%	36.27%	-2.15%	31.63%	-13.47%	20.05%

Correlation

The correlation between RNPEX and VFAIX is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.71

The correlation between RNPEX and VFAIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.55 (1 year) to 0.71 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RNPEX vs. VFAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RNPEX

RNPEX Risk / Return Rank: 27
RNPEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
RNPEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
RNPEX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
RNPEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
RNPEX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

VFAIX

VFAIX Risk / Return Rank: 8
VFAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VFAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
VFAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
VFAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
VFAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

RNPEX vs. VFAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R4 (RNPEX) and Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX). 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.

	RNPEX	VFAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	0.64	+0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.93	0.96	+0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.12	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.68	0.65	+1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.97	1.70	+5.28

RNPEX vs. VFAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RNPEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is higher than the VFAIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RNPEX and VFAIX, 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

RNPEX vs. VFAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RNPEX drawdown since its inception was -52.36%, smaller than the maximum VFAIX drawdown of -78.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RNPEX and VFAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RNPEX	VFAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.36%	-78.64%	+26.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-14.72%	+3.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.92%	-17.31%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.46%	-25.71%	-8.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.46%	-44.37%	+9.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.70%	-4.22%	+3.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.95%	-18.58%	+10.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	5.65%	-2.88%

Volatility

RNPEX vs. VFAIX - Volatility Comparison

American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R4 (RNPEX) has a higher volatility of 5.90% compared to Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX) at 4.31%. This indicates that RNPEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RNPEX	VFAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.90%	4.31%	+1.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.00%	11.37%	+0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.30%	14.92%	-0.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.35%	19.32%	-1.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.90%	22.62%	-4.72%

RNPEX vs. VFAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RNPEX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VFAIX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

RNPEX vs. VFAIX - Dividend Comparison

RNPEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.25%, more than VFAIX's 1.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RNPEX American Funds New Perspective Fund Class R4	6.25%	6.66%	5.20%	5.44%	4.18%	7.08%	4.18%	3.69%	7.63%	5.54%	3.89%	6.17%
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.48%	1.56%	1.75%	2.08%	2.31%	2.62%	2.21%	2.17%	2.30%	1.54%	1.64%	2.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RNPEX and VFAIX in my portfolio?

RNPEX and VFAIX have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RNPEX or VFAIX?

RNPEX has higher volatility (5.90%) compared to VFAIX (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RNPEX dropped -52.36% vs VFAIX's -78.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RNPEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 vs 0.64), 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.