VFIFX vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VFIFX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both funds - VFIFX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Over the past 10 years, VFIFX returned 11.84%/yr vs 11.97%/yr for VYM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VFIFX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

VFIFX vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFIFX achieves a 9.29% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 11.42% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VFIFX having a 11.84% annualized return and VYM not far ahead at 11.97%.

VFIFX

• 1D: -1.83%
• 1M: -0.31%
• YTD: 9.29%
• 6M: 8.45%
• 1Y: 22.55%
• 3Y*: 18.40%
• 5Y*: 9.54%
• 10Y*: 11.84%

VYM

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 11.42%
• 6M: 10.23%
• 1Y: 23.03%
• 3Y*: 18.38%
• 5Y*: 11.73%
• 10Y*: 11.97%

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

VFIFX vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFIFX Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund	9.29%	21.42%	14.45%	20.39%	-17.48%	16.42%	16.40%	24.99%	-7.89%	19.15%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	11.42%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between VFIFX and VYM is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2006	0.88

The correlation between VFIFX and VYM shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.88 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VFIFX vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFIFX

VFIFX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VFIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
VFIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VFIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VFIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VFIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 77
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). 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	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	2.23	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	3.20	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.40	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.73	3.45	-0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.77	12.83	-1.06

VFIFX vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFIFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFIFX and VYM, 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. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFIFX drawdown since its inception was -51.68%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFIFX and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFIFX	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.68%	-56.98%	+5.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-6.69%	-2.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.54%	-14.46%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.40%	-15.84%	-9.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.36%	-35.21%	+3.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.47%	-1.37%	-1.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.87%	-7.18%	+0.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	1.80%	+0.25%

Volatility

VFIFX vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX) has a higher volatility of 5.12% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 2.89%. This indicates that VFIFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFIFX	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.12%	2.89%	+2.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.10%	7.64%	+2.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.20%	10.37%	+1.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.32%	13.93%	+0.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.10%	16.32%	-1.22%

VFIFX vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFIFX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% 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. VYM - Dividend Comparison

VFIFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, less than VYM's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIFX Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund	1.91%	2.09%	2.26%	2.21%	2.38%	12.83%	1.84%	2.20%	2.51%	0.03%	2.04%	2.36%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.30%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFIFX and VYM in my portfolio?

VFIFX and VYM have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFIFX or VYM?

VFIFX has higher volatility (5.12%) compared to VYM (2.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFIFX dropped -51.68% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs 1.98), 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.