VFMFX vs. VMMSX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VFMFX (Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares) and VMMSX (Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund) are both mutual funds - VFMFX is a Multi-factor fund managed by Vanguard, while VMMSX is a Emerging Markets Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, VFMFX returned 13.65%/yr vs 6.83%/yr for VMMSX. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFMFX charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for VMMSX.

Performance

VFMFX vs. VMMSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares (VFMFX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFMFX achieves a 16.42% return, which is significantly lower than VMMSX's 18.63% return.

VFMFX

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 2.64%
• YTD: 16.42%
• 6M: 14.86%
• 1Y: 32.34%
• 3Y*: 21.79%
• 5Y*: 13.65%
• 10Y*: —

VMMSX

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 2.90%
• YTD: 18.63%
• 6M: 19.48%
• 1Y: 43.67%
• 3Y*: 20.79%
• 5Y*: 6.83%
• 10Y*: 10.69%

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

VFMFX vs. VMMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFMFX Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares	16.42%	14.50%	17.21%	17.89%	-5.78%	30.78%	3.58%	21.81%	-14.83%
VMMSX Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund	18.63%	35.68%	5.91%	10.58%	-18.15%	-1.40%	15.79%	21.42%	-6.19%

Correlation

The correlation between VFMFX and VMMSX is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2018	0.63

The correlation between VFMFX and VMMSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VFMFX vs. VMMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFMFX

VFMFX Risk / Return Rank: 86
VFMFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VFMFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VFMFX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
VFMFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
VFMFX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

VMMSX

VMMSX Risk / Return Rank: 75
VMMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VMMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VMMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VMMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
VMMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

VFMFX vs. VMMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares (VFMFX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX). 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.

	VFMFX	VMMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.58	2.48	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.71	3.14	+0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.46	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.70	3.29	+1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.47	12.50	+4.97

VFMFX vs. VMMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFMFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.58, which is comparable to the VMMSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFMFX and VMMSX, 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

VFMFX vs. VMMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFMFX drawdown since its inception was -41.18%, roughly equal to the maximum VMMSX drawdown of -39.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFMFX and VMMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFMFX	VMMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.18%	-39.28%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.31%	-13.46%	+6.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.18%	-18.37%	-2.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.18%	-36.84%	+15.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-1.91%	+1.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.85%	-13.37%	+7.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	3.53%	-1.57%

Volatility

VFMFX vs. VMMSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares (VFMFX) is 3.30%, while Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX) has a volatility of 7.73%. This indicates that VFMFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VMMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFMFX	VMMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.30%	7.73%	-4.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.40%	15.47%	-6.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.31%	17.89%	-4.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.99%	18.02%	-0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.21%	18.47%	+2.74%

VFMFX vs. VMMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFMFX has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than VMMSX's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFMFX vs. VMMSX - Dividend Comparison

VFMFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.34%, more than VMMSX's 1.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFMFX Vanguard U.S. Multifactor Fund Admiral Shares	2.34%	2.69%	3.29%	1.66%	2.09%	1.37%	1.48%	1.63%	1.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VMMSX Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund	1.95%	2.32%	3.33%	3.05%	3.71%	6.80%	1.04%	2.04%	2.53%	1.54%	1.44%	1.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFMFX and VMMSX in my portfolio?

VFMFX and VMMSX have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFMFX or VMMSX?

VMMSX has higher volatility (7.73%) compared to VFMFX (3.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFMFX dropped -41.18% vs VMMSX's -39.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFMFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 vs 2.48), 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.