VFSNX vs. VWELX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VFSNX (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VWELX (Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares) are both mutual funds - VFSNX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VWELX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VFSNX returned 8.71%/yr vs 10.32%/yr for VWELX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFSNX charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for VWELX.

Performance

VFSNX vs. VWELX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) and Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFSNX achieves a 10.48% return, which is significantly higher than VWELX's 6.10% return. Over the past 10 years, VFSNX has underperformed VWELX with an annualized return of 8.71%, while VWELX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.32% annualized return.

VFSNX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: -0.51%
• YTD: 10.48%
• 6M: 10.39%
• 1Y: 25.71%
• 3Y*: 17.02%
• 5Y*: 6.18%
• 10Y*: 8.71%

VWELX

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 6.10%
• 6M: 5.51%
• 1Y: 18.57%
• 3Y*: 15.07%
• 5Y*: 8.63%
• 10Y*: 10.32%

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

VFSNX vs. VWELX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	10.48%	29.97%	2.63%	15.18%	-21.26%	12.74%	11.92%	21.72%	-18.46%	30.30%
VWELX Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares	6.10%	16.54%	14.73%	14.29%	-14.36%	18.99%	10.57%	22.51%	-3.43%	13.98%

Correlation

The correlation between VFSNX and VWELX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 20, 2009	0.79

The correlation between VFSNX and VWELX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VFSNX vs. VWELX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFSNX

VFSNX Risk / Return Rank: 45
VFSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VFSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VFSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VFSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VFSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 43

VWELX

VWELX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VWELX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VWELX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VWELX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VWELX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VWELX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

VFSNX vs. VWELX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) and Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX). 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.

	VFSNX	VWELX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	2.17	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	3.02	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.40	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	2.86	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.65	12.89	-4.24

VFSNX vs. VWELX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFSNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the VWELX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFSNX and VWELX, 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

VFSNX vs. VWELX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFSNX drawdown since its inception was -43.65%, which is greater than VWELX's maximum drawdown of -36.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFSNX and VWELX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFSNX	VWELX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.65%	-36.12%	-7.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.47%	-6.78%	-4.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.70%	-11.98%	-2.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.75%	-20.88%	-12.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.65%	-25.33%	-18.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.22%	-0.95%	-1.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.47%	-3.92%	-5.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	1.50%	+1.57%

Volatility

VFSNX vs. VWELX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) has a higher volatility of 5.38% compared to Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX) at 3.57%. This indicates that VFSNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VWELX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFSNX	VWELX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.38%	3.57%	+1.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.09%	7.32%	+4.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.04%	8.97%	+5.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.15%	11.22%	+3.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.77%	11.57%	+4.20%

VFSNX vs. VWELX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFSNX has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than VWELX's 0.24% 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

VFSNX vs. VWELX - Dividend Comparison

VFSNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.14%, less than VWELX's 10.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.14%	3.36%	3.41%	3.11%	2.26%	2.70%	1.90%	3.25%	2.81%	2.85%	2.93%	2.69%
VWELX Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares	10.90%	11.46%	10.76%	6.01%	8.19%	8.64%	7.77%	4.67%	9.49%	5.82%	4.44%	7.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFSNX and VWELX in my portfolio?

VFSNX and VWELX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFSNX or VWELX?

VFSNX has higher volatility (5.38%) compared to VWELX (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFSNX dropped -43.65% vs VWELX's -36.12%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWELX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.90), 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.