VFIFX vs. VIIIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VFIFX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund) and VIIIX (Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) are both mutual funds - VFIFX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard, while VIIIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, VFIFX returned 11.75%/yr vs 15.65%/yr for VIIIX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VFIFX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for VIIIX.

Performance

VFIFX vs. VIIIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VIIIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFIFX achieves a 11.49% return, which is significantly higher than VIIIX's 10.19% return. Over the past 10 years, VFIFX has underperformed VIIIX with an annualized return of 11.75%, while VIIIX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.65% annualized return.

VFIFX

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 11.49%
• 6M: 11.33%
• 1Y: 27.52%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 10.41%
• 10Y*: 11.75%

VIIIX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 10.19%
• 6M: 9.68%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 21.39%
• 5Y*: 14.24%
• 10Y*: 15.65%

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

VFIFX vs. VIIIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFIFX Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund	11.49%	21.42%	14.45%	20.39%	-17.48%	16.42%	16.40%	24.99%	-7.89%	19.15%
VIIIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	10.19%	17.87%	26.29%	25.79%	-18.14%	28.69%	18.41%	31.48%	-4.41%	21.82%

Correlation

The correlation between VFIFX and VIIIX 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	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 7, 2006	0.97

The correlation between VFIFX and VIIIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VFIFX vs. VIIIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFIFX

VFIFX Risk / Return Rank: 70
VFIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VFIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VFIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VFIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VFIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

VIIIX

VIIIX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VIIIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VIIIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VIIIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VIIIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VIIIX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

VFIFX vs. VIIIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VIIIX). 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.

	VFIFX	VIIIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.25	2.17	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	2.93	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.39	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	3.04	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.25	13.74	-0.49

VFIFX vs. VIIIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFIFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.25, which is comparable to the VIIIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFIFX and VIIIX, 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

VFIFX vs. VIIIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFIFX drawdown since its inception was -51.68%, smaller than the maximum VIIIX drawdown of -55.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFIFX and VIIIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFIFX	VIIIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.68%	-55.18%	+3.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-8.90%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.54%	-18.75%	+4.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.40%	-24.50%	-0.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.36%	-33.79%	+2.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	-1.36%	+0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.87%	-10.00%	+3.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	1.96%	+0.08%

Volatility

VFIFX vs. VIIIX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX) and Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VIIIX) have volatilities of 4.86% and 4.77%, 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

	VFIFX	VIIIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	4.77%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.97%	9.91%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.06%	12.47%	-0.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.29%	16.99%	-2.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.15%	18.10%	-2.95%

VFIFX vs. VIIIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFIFX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VIIIX's 0.02% 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

VFIFX vs. VIIIX - Dividend Comparison

VFIFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.87%, less than VIIIX's 2.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIFX Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund	1.87%	2.09%	2.26%	2.21%	2.38%	12.83%	1.84%	2.20%	2.51%	0.03%	2.04%	2.36%
VIIIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	2.44%	2.11%	3.66%	2.66%	3.39%	4.79%	3.07%	2.86%	2.45%	1.84%	2.38%	2.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFIFX and VIIIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VFIFX and VIIIX 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, VFIFX or VIIIX?

VFIFX has higher volatility (4.86%) compared to VIIIX (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFIFX dropped -51.68% vs VIIIX's -55.18%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 2.17), 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.