STLAX vs. VFAIX
Compare and contrast key facts about BlackRock LifePath Dynamic Retirement Fund (STLAX) and Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX).
STLAX is managed by BlackRock. It was launched on Feb 28, 1994. VFAIX is managed by BlackRock. It was launched on Feb 4, 2004.
Performance
STLAX vs. VFAIX - Performance Comparison
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STLAX vs. VFAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STLAX BlackRock LifePath Dynamic Retirement Fund | -1.32% | 12.00% | 8.16% | 12.51% | -14.86% | 6.87% | 12.83% | 16.91% | -3.65% | 10.96% |
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares | -11.11% | 14.90% | 30.46% | 14.07% | -12.26% | 36.27% | -2.15% | 31.63% | -13.47% | 20.05% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, STLAX achieves a -1.32% return, which is significantly higher than VFAIX's -11.11% return. Over the past 10 years, STLAX has underperformed VFAIX with an annualized return of 6.01%, while VFAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.12% annualized return.
STLAX
- 1D
- 0.10%
- 1M
- -4.60%
- YTD
- -1.32%
- 6M
- 0.03%
- 1Y
- 9.70%
- 3Y*
- 8.62%
- 5Y*
- 3.99%
- 10Y*
- 6.01%
VFAIX
- 1D
- 1.06%
- 1M
- -5.57%
- YTD
- -11.11%
- 6M
- -9.20%
- 1Y
- 0.51%
- 3Y*
- 17.09%
- 5Y*
- 9.31%
- 10Y*
- 12.12%
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STLAX vs. VFAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
STLAX has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is higher than VFAIX's 0.10% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
STLAX vs. VFAIX — Risk / Return Rank
STLAX
VFAIX
STLAX vs. VFAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock LifePath Dynamic Retirement Fund (STLAX) 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.
| STLAX | VFAIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.20 | 0.08 | +1.11 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.69 | 0.25 | +1.44 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.25 | 1.04 | +0.21 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.56 | -0.02 | +1.58 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.18 | -0.07 | +7.25 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| STLAX | VFAIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.20 | 0.08 | +1.11 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.39 | 0.48 | -0.09 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.68 | 0.54 | +0.15 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.83 | 0.22 | +0.61 |
Correlation
The correlation between STLAX and VFAIX is 0.70, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
STLAX vs. VFAIX - Dividend Comparison
STLAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.90%, more than VFAIX's 1.64% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STLAX BlackRock LifePath Dynamic Retirement Fund | 4.90% | 4.83% | 11.22% | 8.31% | 1.14% | 14.51% | 6.38% | 2.55% | 9.46% | 8.75% | 1.47% | 5.58% |
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares | 1.64% | 1.56% | 1.75% | 2.08% | 2.31% | 2.62% | 2.21% | 2.17% | 2.30% | 1.54% | 1.64% | 2.00% |
Drawdowns
STLAX vs. VFAIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum STLAX drawdown since its inception was -25.68%, smaller than the maximum VFAIX drawdown of -78.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STLAX and VFAIX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| STLAX | VFAIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -25.68% | -78.64% | +52.96% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -5.78% | -14.72% | +8.94% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.58% | -25.71% | +5.13% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -20.58% | -44.37% | +23.79% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.60% | -13.82% | +9.22% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.39% | -18.69% | +16.30% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.25% | 4.86% | -3.61% |
Volatility
STLAX vs. VFAIX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for BlackRock LifePath Dynamic Retirement Fund (STLAX) is 3.05%, while Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX) has a volatility of 4.20%. This indicates that STLAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| STLAX | VFAIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.05% | 4.20% | -1.15% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 4.97% | 11.53% | -6.56% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 8.25% | 19.86% | -11.61% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 10.17% | 19.40% | -9.23% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 8.81% | 22.62% | -13.81% |