VEVFX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VEVFX (Vanguard Explorer Value Fund) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VEVFX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, VEVFX returned 10.62%/yr vs 15.76%/yr for VFIAX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VEVFX charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

VEVFX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Explorer Value Fund (VEVFX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEVFX achieves a 17.12% return, which is significantly higher than VFIAX's 9.77% return. Over the past 10 years, VEVFX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 10.62%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.76% annualized return.

VEVFX

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 4.38%
• YTD: 17.12%
• 6M: 16.04%
• 1Y: 32.35%
• 3Y*: 17.51%
• 5Y*: 8.25%
• 10Y*: 10.62%

VFIAX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 6M: 8.77%
• 1Y: 25.48%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 13.57%
• 10Y*: 15.76%

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

VEVFX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEVFX Vanguard Explorer Value Fund	17.12%	7.40%	13.81%	15.29%	-14.11%	28.14%	3.29%	26.92%	-13.03%	12.43%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.77%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VEVFX and VFIAX is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2010	0.84

The correlation between VEVFX and VFIAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.70 (1 year) to 0.84 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VEVFX vs. VFIAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEVFX	VFIAX
Financial Services	22.5%	10.9%
Industrials	16.6%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	16.0%	9.8%
Technology	9.9%	39.1%
Real Estate	7.9%	1.8%
Healthcare	7.5%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.5%
Energy	4.3%	3.2%
Communication Services	4.1%	10.5%
Utilities	3.4%	2.5%
Basic Materials	3.3%	1.7%

Return for Risk

VEVFX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEVFX

VEVFX Risk / Return Rank: 56
VEVFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VEVFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VEVFX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VEVFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VEVFX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VFIAX 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.

VEVFX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Explorer Value Fund (VEVFX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	VEVFX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	2.15	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	2.91	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.39	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	3.01	+0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.29	13.60	-3.31

VEVFX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEVFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEVFX and VFIAX, 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

VEVFX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEVFX drawdown since its inception was -47.53%, smaller than the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEVFX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEVFX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.53%	-55.20%	+7.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.31%	-8.90%	-1.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.32%	-18.75%	-8.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.32%	-24.53%	-2.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.53%	-33.83%	-13.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-1.72%	+1.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.60%	-9.38%	+2.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.32%	1.97%	+1.35%

Volatility

VEVFX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Explorer Value Fund (VEVFX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) have volatilities of 4.46% and 4.67%, 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

	VEVFX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.46%	4.67%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.23%	9.84%	+2.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.72%	12.50%	+5.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.70%	16.99%	+3.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.51%	18.11%	+4.40%

VEVFX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEVFX has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEVFX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

VEVFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.76%, more than VFIAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEVFX Vanguard Explorer Value Fund	8.76%	10.26%	14.55%	2.49%	3.85%	3.83%	0.86%	1.47%	8.92%	3.00%	2.26%	6.31%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEVFX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

VEVFX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEVFX or VFIAX?

VFIAX has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to VEVFX (4.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEVFX dropped -47.53% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.94), 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.