VGSLX vs. VFSAX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VGSLX (Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VFSAX (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VGSLX is a REIT fund managed by Vanguard, while VFSAX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, VGSLX returned 2.69%/yr vs 5.21%/yr for VFSAX. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGSLX charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for VFSAX.

Performance

VGSLX vs. VFSAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGSLX achieves a 10.59% return, which is significantly higher than VFSAX's 7.80% return.

VGSLX

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 10.59%
• 6M: 10.73%
• 1Y: 11.99%
• 3Y*: 9.97%
• 5Y*: 2.69%
• 10Y*: 5.47%

VFSAX

• 1D: -2.93%
• 1M: -4.48%
• YTD: 7.80%
• 6M: 10.63%
• 1Y: 22.84%
• 3Y*: 15.67%
• 5Y*: 5.21%
• 10Y*: —

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

VGSLX vs. VFSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VGSLX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.59%	3.18%	3.67%	13.13%	-26.20%	40.39%	-4.75%	14.32%
VFSAX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	7.80%	29.89%	2.58%	15.13%	-21.30%	12.68%	11.90%	13.47%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSLX and VFSAX is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2019	0.56

The correlation between VGSLX and VFSAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (1 year) to 0.57 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VGSLX vs. VFSAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGSLX	VFSAX
Real Estate	83.1%	8.3%
Financial Services	14.7%	13.0%
Basic Materials	0.9%	13.6%
Communication Services	0.5%	2.4%
Technology	0.3%	13.6%
Energy	0.1%	6.3%
Industrials	0.0%	20.2%
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.0%
Healthcare	-	6.2%
Utilities	-	3.0%

Return for Risk

VGSLX vs. VFSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSLX

VGSLX Risk / Return Rank: 16
VGSLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
VGSLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
VGSLX Omega Ratio Rank: 13
VGSLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
VGSLX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

VFSAX

VFSAX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VFSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VFSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VFSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VFSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
VFSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

VGSLX vs. VFSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFSAX). 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.

	VGSLX	VFSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.95	1.68	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.37	2.30	-0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.31	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.52	2.01	-0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.77	7.67	-2.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGSLX vs. VFSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSLX Sharpe Ratio is 0.95, which is lower than the VFSAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSLX and VFSAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGSLX	VFSAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95	1.68	-0.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.14	0.35	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	0.52	-0.20

Drawdowns

VGSLX vs. VFSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSLX drawdown since its inception was -73.05%, which is greater than VFSAX's maximum drawdown of -39.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSLX and VFSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSLX	VFSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.05%	-39.86%	-33.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.33%	-11.48%	+3.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.41%	-14.73%	-2.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.41%	-33.81%	-0.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.24%	-4.55%	+3.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.57%	-9.24%	-3.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	3.00%	-0.36%

Volatility

VGSLX vs. VFSAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX) is 4.00%, while Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFSAX) has a volatility of 4.85%. This indicates that VGSLX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFSAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGSLX	VFSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.00%	4.85%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.44%	11.62%	-2.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.30%	13.71%	-0.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.88%	15.09%	+3.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.85%	17.05%	+3.80%

VGSLX vs. VFSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGSLX has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than VFSAX's 0.16% 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

VGSLX vs. VFSAX - Dividend Comparison

VGSLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.60%, more than VFSAX's 3.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFSAX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.07%	3.31%	3.36%	3.06%	2.22%	2.67%	1.85%	3.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGSLX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.60%	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 VGSLX and VFSAX in my portfolio?

VGSLX and VFSAX have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGSLX or VFSAX?

VFSAX has higher volatility (4.85%) compared to VGSLX (4.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSLX dropped -73.05% vs VFSAX's -39.86%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 0.95), 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.