VFFVX vs. FFLEX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VFFVX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund) and FFLEX (Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, VFFVX returned 12.06%/yr vs 12.07%/yr for FFLEX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

VFFVX vs. FFLEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund (VFFVX) and Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class (FFLEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFFVX achieves a 9.39% return, which is significantly lower than FFLEX's 9.94% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VFFVX having a 12.06% annualized return and FFLEX not far ahead at 12.07%.

VFFVX

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: -1.34%
• YTD: 9.39%
• 6M: 8.53%
• 1Y: 22.88%
• 3Y*: 18.46%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: 12.06%

FFLEX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -1.04%
• YTD: 9.94%
• 6M: 9.14%
• 1Y: 23.35%
• 3Y*: 18.33%
• 5Y*: 9.29%
• 10Y*: 12.07%

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

VFFVX vs. FFLEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFFVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund	9.39%	21.44%	14.50%	20.39%	-17.48%	16.44%	16.33%	24.98%	-7.88%	21.39%
FFLEX Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class	9.94%	21.47%	14.20%	19.97%	-18.19%	15.98%	16.46%	26.17%	-7.21%	20.63%

Correlation

The correlation between VFFVX and FFLEX 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	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2015	0.99

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

Return for Risk

VFFVX vs. FFLEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFFVX

VFFVX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VFFVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VFFVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VFFVX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VFFVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VFFVX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

FFLEX

FFLEX Risk / Return Rank: 59
FFLEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
FFLEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
FFLEX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
FFLEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
FFLEX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

VFFVX vs. FFLEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund (VFFVX) and Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class (FFLEX). 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.

	VFFVX	FFLEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.86	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	2.57	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.35	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	2.57	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.99	11.03	-0.04

VFFVX vs. FFLEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFFVX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the FFLEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFFVX and FFLEX, 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

VFFVX vs. FFLEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFFVX drawdown since its inception was -31.40%, roughly equal to the maximum FFLEX drawdown of -30.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFFVX and FFLEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFFVX	FFLEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.40%	-30.71%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.93%	-9.07%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.52%	-14.68%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.39%	-26.17%	+0.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.40%	-30.71%	-0.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-2.39%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.13%	-4.65%	+0.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	2.11%	-0.04%

Volatility

VFFVX vs. FFLEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund (VFFVX) is 5.13%, while Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class (FFLEX) has a volatility of 5.41%. This indicates that VFFVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FFLEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFFVX	FFLEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.13%	5.41%	-0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.14%	10.53%	-0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.25%	12.57%	-0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.32%	14.55%	-0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.08%	15.16%	-0.08%

VFFVX vs. FFLEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VFFVX and FFLEX have an expense ratio of 0.08%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VFFVX vs. FFLEX - Dividend Comparison

VFFVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.90%, more than FFLEX's 1.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FFLEX Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class	1.75%	1.98%	1.98%	1.94%	2.03%	1.95%	1.85%	6.75%	2.36%	2.16%	2.44%	1.82%
VFFVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund	1.90%	2.08%	2.31%	2.18%	2.19%	10.03%	1.82%	2.15%	2.35%	1.83%	1.99%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFFVX and FFLEX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VFFVX and FFLEX 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, VFFVX or FFLEX?

FFLEX has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to VFFVX (5.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFFVX dropped -31.40% vs FFLEX's -30.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFFVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.86), 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.