STDAX vs. VBAIX

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

STDAX (SEI Asset Allocation Trust Defensive Strategy Allocation Fund) and VBAIX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, STDAX returned 1.98%/yr vs 9.83%/yr for VBAIX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STDAX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBAIX.

Performance

STDAX vs. VBAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SEI Asset Allocation Trust Defensive Strategy Allocation Fund (STDAX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STDAX achieves a 1.67% return, which is significantly lower than VBAIX's 6.86% return. Over the past 10 years, STDAX has underperformed VBAIX with an annualized return of 1.98%, while VBAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.83% annualized return.

STDAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.28%
• 6M: 1.49%
• YTD: 1.67%
• 1Y: 3.72%
• 3Y*: 4.33%
• 5Y*: 2.90%
• 10Y*: 1.98%

VBAIX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: -0.25%
• 6M: 5.60%
• YTD: 6.86%
• 1Y: 15.17%
• 3Y*: 14.63%
• 5Y*: 7.93%
• 10Y*: 9.83%

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

STDAX vs. VBAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
STDAX SEI Asset Allocation Trust Defensive Strategy Allocation Fund	1.67%	4.46%	5.35%	4.45%	-1.58%	1.56%	-19.54%	19.83%	-3.32%	9.70%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	6.86%	13.60%	17.78%	17.55%	-16.87%	14.20%	16.40%	21.79%	-2.83%	13.86%

Correlation

The correlation between STDAX and VBAIX is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2004	0.73

Over the past year, the correlation between STDAX and VBAIX has dropped to 0.51 - well below their long-term average of 0.73, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

STDAX vs. VBAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

STDAX

STDAX Risk / Return Rank: 99
STDAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
STDAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
STDAX Omega Ratio Rank: 99
STDAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
STDAX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

VBAIX

VBAIX Risk / Return Rank: 69
VBAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VBAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VBAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VBAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VBAIX 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.

STDAX vs. VBAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SEI Asset Allocation Trust Defensive Strategy Allocation Fund (STDAX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX). 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.

	STDAX	VBAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.28	1.76	+2.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	7.49	2.50	+4.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	2.50	1.32	+1.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.20	2.52	+7.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	42.87	11.05	+31.81

STDAX vs. VBAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STDAX Sharpe Ratio is 4.28, which is higher than the VBAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STDAX and VBAIX, 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

STDAX vs. VBAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STDAX drawdown since its inception was -76.81%, which is greater than VBAIX's maximum drawdown of -35.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STDAX and VBAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	STDAX	VBAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.81%	-35.82%	-40.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.36%	-5.84%	+5.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.68%	-11.57%	+9.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-2.91%	-21.52%	+18.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.89%	-22.77%	-4.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.37%	-0.50%	-7.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.65%	-4.40%	-27.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.09%	1.33%	-1.24%

Volatility

STDAX vs. VBAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SEI Asset Allocation Trust Defensive Strategy Allocation Fund (STDAX) is 0.24%, while Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) has a volatility of 2.38%. This indicates that STDAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STDAX	VBAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.24%	2.38%	-2.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.68%	6.77%	-6.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86%	8.37%	-7.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.96%	11.18%	-9.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.58%	11.24%	-4.66%

STDAX vs. VBAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

STDAX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VBAIX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

STDAX vs. VBAIX - Dividend Comparison

STDAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.32%, less than VBAIX's 5.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
STDAX SEI Asset Allocation Trust Defensive Strategy Allocation Fund	4.32%	4.49%	4.97%	4.77%	3.54%	0.87%	1.71%	5.19%	8.53%	6.92%	10.19%	3.84%
VBAIX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares	5.34%	6.01%	8.01%	4.36%	2.84%	3.20%	2.65%	2.29%	2.33%	1.96%	2.10%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STDAX and VBAIX in my portfolio?

STDAX and VBAIX have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STDAX or VBAIX?

VBAIX has higher volatility (2.38%) compared to STDAX (0.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STDAX dropped -76.81% vs VBAIX's -35.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STDAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.28 vs 1.76), 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.