VFTAX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VFTAX (Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VFTAX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the FTSE US Choice Index, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VFTAX returned 12.75%/yr vs 13.57%/yr for VFIAX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VFTAX charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

VFTAX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFTAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFTAX achieves a 9.03% return, which is significantly lower than VFIAX's 9.77% return.

VFTAX

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 9.03%
• 6M: 8.02%
• 1Y: 25.06%
• 3Y*: 21.60%
• 5Y*: 12.75%
• 10Y*: —

VFIAX

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 6M: 8.77%
• 1Y: 25.48%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 13.57%
• 10Y*: 15.76%

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

VFTAX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VFTAX Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.03%	17.25%	25.97%	31.78%	-24.22%	27.70%	22.63%	23.59%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.77%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	20.46%

Correlation

The correlation between VFTAX and VFIAX is 0.99 - 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	0.99
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 Feb 7, 2019	0.99

The correlation between VFTAX and VFIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

VFTAX vs. VFIAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFTAX	VFIAX
Technology	45.2%	39.1%
Communication Services	13.1%	10.5%
Consumer Cyclical	11.7%	9.8%
Financial Services	10.6%	10.9%
Healthcare	9.1%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	4.5%
Industrials	3.0%	7.6%
Real Estate	2.0%	1.8%
Basic Materials	1.5%	1.7%
Utilities	0.1%	2.5%
Energy	0.0%	3.2%

Return for Risk

VFTAX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFTAX

VFTAX Risk / Return Rank: 45
VFTAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VFTAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VFTAX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VFTAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
VFTAX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

VFTAX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFTAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	VFTAX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	2.15	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.91	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.39	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.24	3.01	-0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.24	13.60	-4.35

VFTAX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFTAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFTAX and VFIAX, 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

VFTAX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFTAX drawdown since its inception was -34.20%, smaller than the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFTAX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFTAX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.20%	-55.20%	+21.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.84%	-8.90%	-2.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.18%	-18.75%	-1.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.12%	-24.53%	-4.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.36%	-1.72%	-0.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.25%	-9.38%	+3.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	1.97%	+0.89%

Volatility

VFTAX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFTAX) has a higher volatility of 5.48% compared to Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) at 4.67%. This indicates that VFTAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFTAX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.48%	4.67%	+0.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.22%	9.84%	+1.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.07%	12.50%	+1.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.49%	16.99%	+1.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.79%	18.11%	+2.68%

VFTAX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFTAX has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX'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

VFTAX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

VFTAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.83%, less than VFIAX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
VFTAX Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.83%	0.85%	0.99%	1.10%	1.34%	0.94%	1.21%	1.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFTAX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VFTAX and VFIAX 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.

Which is riskier, VFTAX or VFIAX?

VFTAX has higher volatility (5.48%) compared to VFIAX (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFTAX dropped -34.20% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.88), 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.