RYFIX vs. VFAIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RYFIX (Rydex Financial Services Fund) and VFAIX (Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Financials Equities funds from BlackRock. Over the past 10 years, RYFIX returned 9.73%/yr vs 12.42%/yr for VFAIX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. RYFIX charges 1.36%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VFAIX.

Performance

RYFIX vs. VFAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Rydex Financial Services Fund (RYFIX) 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, RYFIX achieves a -2.73% return, which is significantly higher than VFAIX's -5.08% return. Over the past 10 years, RYFIX has underperformed VFAIX with an annualized return of 9.73%, while VFAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.42% annualized return.

RYFIX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: -0.64%
• YTD: -2.73%
• 6M: -1.27%
• 1Y: 3.83%
• 3Y*: 16.14%
• 5Y*: 6.04%
• 10Y*: 9.73%

VFAIX

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -0.39%
• YTD: -5.08%
• 6M: -2.61%
• 1Y: 3.83%
• 3Y*: 18.99%
• 5Y*: 8.33%
• 10Y*: 12.42%

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

RYFIX vs. VFAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RYFIX Rydex Financial Services Fund	-2.73%	11.21%	22.86%	14.54%	-18.03%	35.83%	0.27%	28.32%	-12.05%	15.74%
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	-5.08%	14.90%	30.46%	14.07%	-12.26%	36.27%	-2.15%	31.63%	-13.47%	20.05%

Correlation

The correlation between RYFIX and VFAIX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 3, 2004	0.97

The correlation between RYFIX and VFAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RYFIX vs. VFAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RYFIX

RYFIX Risk / Return Rank: 4
RYFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
RYFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
RYFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
RYFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
RYFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

VFAIX

VFAIX Risk / Return Rank: 4
VFAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
VFAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
VFAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
VFAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
VFAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

RYFIX vs. VFAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Rydex Financial Services Fund (RYFIX) 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.

	RYFIX	VFAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.30	0.29	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.50	0.48	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.06	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.31	0.29	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.92	0.76	+0.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RYFIX vs. VFAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RYFIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.30, which is comparable to the VFAIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RYFIX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RYFIX	VFAIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30	0.29	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33	0.43	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	0.55	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.18	0.23	-0.06

Drawdowns

RYFIX vs. VFAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RYFIX drawdown since its inception was -77.63%, roughly equal to the maximum VFAIX drawdown of -78.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RYFIX and VFAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RYFIX	VFAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.63%	-78.64%	+1.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.52%	-14.72%	+1.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.14%	-17.31%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.08%	-25.71%	-1.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.01%	-44.37%	+0.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.66%	-7.97%	+2.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.40%	-18.61%	+0.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.52%	5.51%	-0.99%

Volatility

RYFIX vs. VFAIX - Volatility Comparison

Rydex Financial Services Fund (RYFIX) and Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX) have volatilities of 3.07% and 3.07%, 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

	RYFIX	VFAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.07%	3.07%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.35%	10.98%	-0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.88%	14.68%	-0.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.50%	19.33%	-0.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.98%	22.60%	-1.62%

RYFIX vs. VFAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RYFIX has a 1.36% expense ratio, which is higher than VFAIX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

RYFIX vs. VFAIX - Dividend Comparison

RYFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.24%, less than VFAIX's 1.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RYFIX Rydex Financial Services Fund	1.24%	1.21%	0.76%	0.00%	25.45%	0.83%	0.00%	0.41%	5.14%	0.51%	0.71%	1.65%
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.54%	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 RYFIX and VFAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, RYFIX and VFAIX 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, RYFIX or VFAIX?

VFAIX has higher volatility (3.07%) compared to RYFIX (3.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RYFIX dropped -77.63% vs VFAIX's -78.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RYFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.30 vs 0.29), 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.