SFAAX vs. VBIAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SFAAX (Allspring Index Asset Allocation Fund) and VBIAX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, SFAAX returned 9.35%/yr vs 9.80%/yr for VBIAX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SFAAX charges 1.08%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBIAX.

Performance

SFAAX vs. VBIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Index Asset Allocation Fund (SFAAX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SFAAX achieves a 6.10% return, which is significantly lower than VBIAX's 6.69% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with SFAAX having a 9.35% annualized return and VBIAX not far ahead at 9.80%.

SFAAX

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 6.10%
• 6M: 5.71%
• 1Y: 17.17%
• 3Y*: 13.03%
• 5Y*: 7.43%
• 10Y*: 9.35%

VBIAX

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 6.69%
• 6M: 6.29%
• 1Y: 18.22%
• 3Y*: 14.11%
• 5Y*: 7.84%
• 10Y*: 9.80%

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

SFAAX vs. VBIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SFAAX Allspring Index Asset Allocation Fund	6.10%	11.39%	14.61%	16.64%	-17.03%	15.76%	16.21%	21.52%	-2.82%	12.25%
VBIAX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares	6.69%	13.61%	14.58%	17.54%	-16.90%	14.21%	16.40%	21.78%	-2.86%	13.89%

Correlation

The correlation between SFAAX and VBIAX 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	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.98

The correlation between SFAAX and VBIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SFAAX vs. VBIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SFAAX

SFAAX Risk / Return Rank: 59
SFAAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
SFAAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
SFAAX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SFAAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
SFAAX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

VBIAX

VBIAX Risk / Return Rank: 69
VBIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VBIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VBIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VBIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
VBIAX 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.

SFAAX vs. VBIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Index Asset Allocation Fund (SFAAX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX). 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.

	SFAAX	VBIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.18	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	3.07	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.40	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.01	3.12	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.50	13.84	-1.34

SFAAX vs. VBIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SFAAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the VBIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SFAAX and VBIAX, 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

SFAAX vs. VBIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SFAAX drawdown since its inception was -47.78%, which is greater than VBIAX's maximum drawdown of -35.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SFAAX and VBIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SFAAX	VBIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.78%	-35.90%	-11.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.69%	-5.83%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.69%	-11.70%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.32%	-21.53%	-2.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.32%	-22.78%	-1.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.98%	-0.62%	-0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.84%	-4.44%	-1.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.37%	1.31%	+0.06%

Volatility

SFAAX vs. VBIAX - Volatility Comparison

Allspring Index Asset Allocation Fund (SFAAX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX) have volatilities of 3.38% and 3.33%, 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

	SFAAX	VBIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.38%	3.33%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.71%	6.72%	-0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.54%	8.36%	+0.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.43%	11.12%	+0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.43%	11.25%	+0.18%

SFAAX vs. VBIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SFAAX has a 1.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VBIAX's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

SFAAX vs. VBIAX - Dividend Comparison

SFAAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.93%, more than VBIAX's 5.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SFAAX Allspring Index Asset Allocation Fund	11.93%	12.65%	12.74%	7.46%	4.98%	5.92%	3.77%	3.60%	3.88%	1.27%	1.66%	6.34%
VBIAX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares	5.25%	6.00%	5.27%	4.35%	2.83%	3.19%	2.65%	2.28%	2.32%	1.95%	2.09%	2.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SFAAX and VBIAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, SFAAX and VBIAX 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, SFAAX or VBIAX?

SFAAX has higher volatility (3.38%) compared to VBIAX (3.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SFAAX dropped -47.78% vs VBIAX's -35.90%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 2.01), 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.