VGSLX vs. VFWAX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VGSLX (Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VFWAX (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VGSLX is a REIT fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index, while VFWAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VGSLX returned 5.51%/yr vs 10.14%/yr for VFWAX. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGSLX charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for VFWAX.

Performance

VGSLX vs. VFWAX - 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 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFWAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGSLX achieves a 11.48% return, which is significantly lower than VFWAX's 13.24% return. Over the past 10 years, VGSLX has underperformed VFWAX with an annualized return of 5.51%, while VFWAX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.14% annualized return.

VGSLX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.81%
• YTD: 11.48%
• 6M: 11.28%
• 1Y: 11.84%
• 3Y*: 10.04%
• 5Y*: 2.35%
• 10Y*: 5.51%

VFWAX

• 1D: 3.19%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 13.24%
• 6M: 15.08%
• 1Y: 29.72%
• 3Y*: 18.68%
• 5Y*: 8.37%
• 10Y*: 10.14%

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

VGSLX vs. VFWAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGSLX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	11.48%	3.18%	3.67%	13.13%	-26.20%	40.39%	-4.75%	28.90%	-5.99%	4.91%
VFWAX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Admiral Shares	13.24%	32.32%	5.43%	15.55%	-15.51%	8.08%	11.34%	21.53%	-13.97%	27.20%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSLX and VFWAX is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2011	0.53

The correlation between VGSLX and VFWAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.41 (1 year) to 0.56 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VGSLX vs. VFWAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGSLX	VFWAX
Real Estate	83.1%	2.0%
Financial Services	14.7%	23.3%
Basic Materials	0.9%	7.1%
Communication Services	0.5%	4.6%
Technology	0.3%	18.5%
Energy	0.1%	5.2%
Industrials	0.0%	15.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.1%
Healthcare	-	7.1%
Utilities	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

VGSLX vs. VFWAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSLX

VGSLX Risk / Return Rank: 20
VGSLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VGSLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
VGSLX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VGSLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VGSLX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

VFWAX

VFWAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFWAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VFWAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VFWAX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VFWAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VFWAX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. VFWAX - 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 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFWAX). 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.

	VGSLX	VFWAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	1.88	-0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.34	2.57	-1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.35	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.49	2.54	-1.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.70	9.81	-5.11

VGSLX vs. VFWAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSLX Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is lower than the VFWAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSLX and VFWAX, 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

VGSLX vs. VFWAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSLX drawdown since its inception was -73.05%, which is greater than VFWAX's maximum drawdown of -34.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSLX and VFWAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSLX	VFWAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.05%	-34.93%	-38.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.33%	-11.34%	+3.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.41%	-13.25%	-4.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.41%	-29.30%	-5.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.34%	-34.93%	-7.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.44%	-2.19%	+1.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.56%	-7.18%	-5.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	2.93%	-0.29%

Volatility

VGSLX vs. VFWAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX) is 4.78%, while Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFWAX) has a volatility of 6.53%. This indicates that VGSLX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFWAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGSLX	VFWAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.78%	6.53%	-1.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.74%	13.17%	-3.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.53%	15.30%	-1.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.91%	15.36%	+3.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.86%	16.13%	+4.73%

VGSLX vs. VFWAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGSLX has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is higher than VFWAX's 0.11% 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

VGSLX vs. VFWAX - Dividend Comparison

VGSLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.57%, more than VFWAX's 2.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFWAX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.60%	3.05%	3.20%	3.28%	3.07%	3.03%	1.97%	3.07%	3.24%	2.67%	2.96%	2.95%
VGSLX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.57%	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 VFWAX in my portfolio?

VGSLX and VFWAX have a correlation of 0.41, 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 VFWAX?

VFWAX has higher volatility (6.53%) compared to VGSLX (4.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSLX dropped -73.05% vs VFWAX's -34.93%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFWAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 0.92), 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.