VFMF vs. VFMFX
VFMF (Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF) and VFMFX (Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares) are both Multi-factor funds from Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, VFMF returned 14.09%/yr vs 14.18%/yr for VFMFX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.18% expense ratio.
Performance
VFMF vs. VFMFX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VFMF achieves a 16.99% return, which is significantly higher than VFMFX's 15.77% return.
VFMF
- 1D
- 0.60%
- 1M
- 2.90%
- YTD
- 16.99%
- 6M
- 15.15%
- 1Y
- 36.83%
- 3Y*
- 22.51%
- 5Y*
- 14.09%
- 10Y*
- —
VFMFX
- 1D
- 0.24%
- 1M
- 2.06%
- YTD
- 15.77%
- 6M
- 13.99%
- 1Y
- 33.42%
- 3Y*
- 20.89%
- 5Y*
- 14.18%
- 10Y*
- —
VFMF vs. VFMFX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VFMF Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF | 16.99% | 17.38% | 15.60% | 18.52% | -5.70% | 30.05% | 4.99% | 22.34% | -14.45% |
VFMFX Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares | 15.77% | 14.50% | 17.21% | 17.89% | -5.78% | 30.78% | 3.58% | 21.81% | -14.83% |
Correlation
The correlation between VFMF and VFMFX is 0.98 - 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 | 0.98 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2018 | 0.99 |
The correlation between VFMF and VFMFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
VFMF vs. VFMFX — Risk / Return Rank
VFMF
VFMFX
VFMF vs. VFMFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF (VFMF) and Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares (VFMFX). 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.
| VFMF | VFMFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.25 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.30 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.49 | 1.44 | +0.04 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 5.23 | 4.62 | +0.61 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 19.65 | 17.19 | +2.46 |
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Drawdowns
VFMF vs. VFMFX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VFMF drawdown since its inception was -41.34%, roughly equal to the maximum VFMFX drawdown of -41.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFMF and VFMFX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VFMF | VFMFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -41.34% | -41.18% | -0.16% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -7.08% | -7.31% | +0.23% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -20.57% | -21.18% | +0.61% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.57% | -21.18% | +0.61% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.68% | -1.35% | +0.67% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.71% | -5.86% | +0.15% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.88% | 1.96% | -0.08% |
Volatility
VFMF vs. VFMFX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF (VFMF) and Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares (VFMFX) have volatilities of 3.55% and 3.44%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| VFMF | VFMFX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.55% | 3.44% | +0.11% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.30% | 9.39% | -0.09% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 13.27% | 13.28% | -0.01% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.06% | 18.02% | +0.04% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.12% | 21.21% | -0.09% |
VFMF vs. VFMFX - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both VFMF and VFMFX have an expense ratio of 0.18%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
VFMF vs. VFMFX - Dividend Comparison
VFMF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.00%, less than VFMFX's 2.36% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VFMF Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF | 1.00% | 1.54% | 1.60% | 1.78% | 2.21% | 1.39% | 1.56% | 1.61% | 1.22% |
VFMFX Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares | 2.36% | 2.69% | 3.29% | 1.66% | 2.09% | 1.37% | 1.48% | 1.63% | 1.45% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.98, VFMF and VFMFX 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.
VFMF has higher volatility (3.55%) compared to VFMFX (3.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFMF dropped -41.34% vs VFMFX's -41.18%.
VFMF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 2.54), 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.
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