VFIRX vs. VGSLX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VFIRX (Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares) and VGSLX (Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VFIRX is a Government Bonds fund managed by Vanguard, while VGSLX is a REIT fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. Over the past 10 years, VFIRX returned 1.69%/yr vs 5.51%/yr for VGSLX. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. VFIRX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VGSLX.

Performance

VFIRX vs. VGSLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VFIRX) and Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFIRX achieves a 0.44% return, which is significantly lower than VGSLX's 11.48% return. Over the past 10 years, VFIRX has underperformed VGSLX with an annualized return of 1.69%, while VGSLX has yielded a comparatively higher 5.51% annualized return.

VFIRX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 0.44%
• 6M: 0.85%
• 1Y: 3.48%
• 3Y*: 4.16%
• 5Y*: 1.53%
• 10Y*: 1.69%

VGSLX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.81%
• YTD: 11.48%
• 6M: 11.28%
• 1Y: 11.84%
• 3Y*: 10.04%
• 5Y*: 2.35%
• 10Y*: 5.51%

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

VFIRX vs. VGSLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFIRX Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	0.44%	5.47%	3.85%	3.66%	-4.61%	-0.80%	4.06%	3.71%	1.47%	0.40%
VGSLX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	11.48%	3.18%	3.67%	13.13%	-26.20%	40.39%	-4.75%	28.90%	-5.99%	4.91%

Correlation

The correlation between VFIRX and VGSLX is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.27
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2001	-0.04

The correlation between VFIRX and VGSLX shifts across timeframes, from -0.04 (all time) to 0.29 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VFIRX vs. VGSLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFIRX

VFIRX Risk / Return Rank: 62
VFIRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
VFIRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
VFIRX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VFIRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VFIRX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VGSLX

VGSLX Risk / Return Rank: 20
VGSLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VGSLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
VGSLX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VGSLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VGSLX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

VFIRX vs. VGSLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VFIRX) and Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX). 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.

	VFIRX	VGSLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	0.92	+0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	1.34	+1.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.17	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	1.49	+0.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.14	4.70	+3.45

VFIRX vs. VGSLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFIRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is higher than the VGSLX Sharpe Ratio of 0.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFIRX and VGSLX, 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

VFIRX vs. VGSLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFIRX drawdown since its inception was -6.73%, smaller than the maximum VGSLX drawdown of -73.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFIRX and VGSLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFIRX	VGSLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.73%	-73.05%	+66.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.40%	-8.33%	+6.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.40%	-17.41%	+16.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-6.65%	-34.41%	+27.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-6.73%	-42.34%	+35.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-0.44%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.71%	-12.56%	+11.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.43%	2.64%	-2.21%

Volatility

VFIRX vs. VGSLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VFIRX) is 0.57%, while Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX) has a volatility of 4.78%. This indicates that VFIRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGSLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFIRX	VGSLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.57%	4.78%	-4.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.51%	9.74%	-8.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.05%	13.53%	-11.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.68%	18.91%	-16.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.13%	20.86%	-18.73%

VFIRX vs. VGSLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFIRX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than VGSLX's 0.13% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VFIRX vs. VGSLX - Dividend Comparison

VFIRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.85%, more than VGSLX's 3.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIRX Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	3.85%	3.99%	4.49%	4.07%	2.03%	0.60%	2.30%	2.49%	2.21%	1.25%	1.28%	0.93%
VGSLX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.57%	3.92%	3.85%	3.91%	3.91%	2.56%	3.92%	3.39%	4.73%	4.23%	4.82%	3.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFIRX and VGSLX in my portfolio?

VFIRX and VGSLX have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFIRX or VGSLX?

VGSLX has higher volatility (4.78%) compared to VFIRX (0.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFIRX dropped -6.73% vs VGSLX's -73.05%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 0.92), 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.