VFAIX vs. RYFIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VFAIX (Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares) and RYFIX (Rydex Financial Services Fund) are both Financials Equities funds from BlackRock. Over the past 10 years, VFAIX returned 12.42%/yr vs 9.73%/yr for RYFIX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VFAIX charges 0.10%/yr vs 1.36%/yr for RYFIX.

Performance

VFAIX vs. RYFIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX) and Rydex Financial Services Fund (RYFIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFAIX achieves a -5.08% return, which is significantly lower than RYFIX's -2.73% return. Over the past 10 years, VFAIX has outperformed RYFIX with an annualized return of 12.42%, while RYFIX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.73% annualized return.

VFAIX

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -0.39%
• YTD: -5.08%
• 6M: -2.61%
• 1Y: 3.83%
• 3Y*: 18.99%
• 5Y*: 8.33%
• 10Y*: 12.42%

RYFIX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: -0.64%
• YTD: -2.73%
• 6M: -1.27%
• 1Y: 3.83%
• 3Y*: 16.14%
• 5Y*: 6.04%
• 10Y*: 9.73%

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

VFAIX vs. RYFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	-5.08%	14.90%	30.46%	14.07%	-12.26%	36.27%	-2.15%	31.63%	-13.47%	20.05%
RYFIX Rydex Financial Services Fund	-2.73%	11.21%	22.86%	14.54%	-18.03%	35.83%	0.27%	28.32%	-12.05%	15.74%

Correlation

The correlation between VFAIX and RYFIX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 3, 2004	0.97

The correlation between VFAIX and RYFIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VFAIX vs. RYFIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFAIX

VFAIX Risk / Return Rank: 4
VFAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
VFAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
VFAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
VFAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
VFAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

RYFIX

RYFIX Risk / Return Rank: 4
RYFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
RYFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
RYFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
RYFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
RYFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

VFAIX vs. RYFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX) and Rydex Financial Services Fund (RYFIX). 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.

	VFAIX	RYFIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.29	0.30	-0.01
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.48	0.50	-0.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.06	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.29	0.31	-0.02
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.76	0.92	-0.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VFAIX vs. RYFIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFAIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.29, which is comparable to the RYFIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFAIX and RYFIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VFAIX	RYFIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29	0.30	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.33	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.47	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.23	0.18	+0.06

Drawdowns

VFAIX vs. RYFIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFAIX drawdown since its inception was -78.64%, roughly equal to the maximum RYFIX drawdown of -77.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFAIX and RYFIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFAIX	RYFIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.64%	-77.63%	-1.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.72%	-13.52%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.31%	-18.14%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.71%	-27.08%	+1.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.37%	-44.01%	-0.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.97%	-5.66%	-2.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.61%	-18.40%	-0.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.51%	4.52%	+0.99%

Volatility

VFAIX vs. RYFIX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX) and Rydex Financial Services Fund (RYFIX) have volatilities of 3.07% and 3.07%, 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

	VFAIX	RYFIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.07%	3.07%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.98%	10.35%	+0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.68%	13.88%	+0.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.33%	18.50%	+0.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.60%	20.98%	+1.62%

VFAIX vs. RYFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFAIX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than RYFIX's 1.36% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFAIX vs. RYFIX - Dividend Comparison

VFAIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.54%, more than RYFIX's 1.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RYFIX Rydex Financial Services Fund	1.24%	1.21%	0.76%	0.00%	25.45%	0.83%	0.00%	0.41%	5.14%	0.51%	0.71%	1.65%
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.54%	1.56%	1.75%	2.08%	2.31%	2.62%	2.21%	2.17%	2.30%	1.54%	1.64%	2.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFAIX and RYFIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VFAIX and RYFIX 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, VFAIX or RYFIX?

RYFIX has higher volatility (3.07%) compared to VFAIX (3.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFAIX dropped -78.64% vs RYFIX's -77.63%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RYFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.30 vs 0.29), 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.