VBINX vs. VBIAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VBINX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund) and VBIAX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VBINX returned 10.03%/yr vs 9.89%/yr for VBIAX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VBINX charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBIAX.

Performance

VBINX vs. VBIAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VBINX having a 6.32% return and VBIAX slightly higher at 6.36%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VBINX having a 10.03% annualized return and VBIAX not far behind at 9.89%.

VBINX

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 6.32%
• 6M: 5.69%
• 1Y: 16.95%
• 3Y*: 15.26%
• 5Y*: 8.02%
• 10Y*: 10.03%

VBIAX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 6.36%
• 6M: 5.74%
• 1Y: 17.06%
• 3Y*: 14.33%
• 5Y*: 7.55%
• 10Y*: 9.89%

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

VBINX vs. VBIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBINX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund	6.32%	13.46%	17.63%	17.41%	-16.98%	13.62%	16.26%	21.67%	-2.97%	13.75%
VBIAX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares	6.36%	13.61%	14.58%	17.54%	-16.90%	14.21%	16.40%	21.78%	-2.86%	13.89%

Correlation

The correlation between VBINX and VBIAX is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	1.00

The correlation between VBINX and VBIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VBINX vs. VBIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBINX

VBINX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VBINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VBINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VBINX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VBINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VBINX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

VBIAX

VBIAX Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VBIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VBIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VBIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VBIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

VBINX vs. VBIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBINX) 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.

	VBINX	VBIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	2.14	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	3.03	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.39	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.05	3.08	-0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.50	13.64	-0.14

VBINX vs. VBIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBINX Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is comparable to the VBIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBINX 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

VBINX vs. VBIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBINX drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, roughly equal to the maximum VBIAX drawdown of -35.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBINX and VBIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBINX	VBIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-35.90%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.84%	-5.83%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.60%	-11.70%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.61%	-21.53%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.78%	-22.78%	0.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.93%	-0.93%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.14%	-4.44%	+0.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.32%	1.31%	+0.01%

Volatility

VBINX vs. VBIAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBINX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX) have volatilities of 3.23% and 3.24%, 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

	VBINX	VBIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.23%	3.24%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.70%	6.69%	+0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.39%	8.38%	+0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.17%	11.12%	+0.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.27%	11.25%	+0.02%

VBINX vs. VBIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBINX has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is higher than VBIAX's 0.07% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VBINX vs. VBIAX - Dividend Comparison

VBINX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.16%, less than VBIAX's 5.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBIAX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares	5.26%	6.00%	5.27%	4.35%	2.83%	3.19%	2.65%	2.28%	2.32%	1.95%	2.09%	2.09%
VBINX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund	5.16%	5.89%	7.88%	4.25%	2.71%	2.71%	2.54%	2.19%	2.20%	1.83%	1.97%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBINX and VBIAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VBINX 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, VBINX or VBIAX?

VBIAX has higher volatility (3.24%) compared to VBINX (3.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBINX dropped -35.97% vs VBIAX's -35.90%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 2.13), 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.