VITNX vs. PAAKX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VITNX (Vanguard Institutional Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares) and PAAKX (Putnam Retirement Advantage 2060 Fund) are both mutual funds - VITNX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while PAAKX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Putnam. Over the past 5 years, VITNX returned 12.15%/yr vs 11.68%/yr for PAAKX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VITNX charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for PAAKX.

Performance

VITNX vs. PAAKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Institutional Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VITNX) and Putnam Retirement Advantage 2060 Fund (PAAKX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VITNX having a 8.81% return and PAAKX slightly higher at 9.17%.

VITNX

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -1.54%
• YTD: 8.81%
• 6M: 7.34%
• 1Y: 22.96%
• 3Y*: 21.16%
• 5Y*: 12.15%
• 10Y*: 15.19%

PAAKX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.98%
• YTD: 9.17%
• 6M: 8.04%
• 1Y: 22.91%
• 3Y*: 21.08%
• 5Y*: 11.68%
• 10Y*: —

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

VITNX vs. PAAKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VITNX Vanguard Institutional Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares	8.81%	17.16%	25.42%	26.01%	-19.47%	25.76%	20.95%
PAAKX Putnam Retirement Advantage 2060 Fund	9.17%	19.93%	12.32%	36.62%	-17.92%	20.28%	16.16%

Correlation

The correlation between VITNX and PAAKX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2020	0.97

The correlation between VITNX and PAAKX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VITNX vs. PAAKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VITNX

VITNX Risk / Return Rank: 56
VITNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VITNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VITNX Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VITNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VITNX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

PAAKX

PAAKX Risk / Return Rank: 66
PAAKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
PAAKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
PAAKX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
PAAKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
PAAKX 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.

VITNX vs. PAAKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Institutional Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VITNX) and Putnam Retirement Advantage 2060 Fund (PAAKX). 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.

	VITNX	PAAKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.88	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	2.59	-0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.34	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.57	2.74	-0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.41	12.02	-0.61

VITNX vs. PAAKX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VITNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the PAAKX Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VITNX and PAAKX, 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

VITNX vs. PAAKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VITNX drawdown since its inception was -55.32%, which is greater than PAAKX's maximum drawdown of -33.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VITNX and PAAKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VITNX	PAAKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.32%	-33.08%	-22.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-8.34%	-0.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-16.40%	-2.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.32%	-24.64%	-0.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.99%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.83%	-2.21%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.34%	-5.58%	-1.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	1.89%	+0.11%

Volatility

VITNX vs. PAAKX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Institutional Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VITNX) and Putnam Retirement Advantage 2060 Fund (PAAKX) have volatilities of 4.95% and 5.08%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VITNX	PAAKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	5.08%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.09%	9.92%	+0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.86%	12.21%	+0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.45%	16.42%	+1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.43%	19.07%	-0.64%

VITNX vs. PAAKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VITNX has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than PAAKX's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VITNX vs. PAAKX - Dividend Comparison

VITNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.29%, less than PAAKX's 8.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PAAKX Putnam Retirement Advantage 2060 Fund	8.34%	9.10%	5.48%	7.84%	6.91%	21.47%	1.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VITNX Vanguard Institutional Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.29%	2.63%	4.14%	2.41%	6.48%	5.37%	11.56%	2.90%	3.92%	1.89%	2.78%	2.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VITNX and PAAKX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VITNX and PAAKX 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, VITNX or PAAKX?

PAAKX has higher volatility (5.08%) compared to VITNX (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VITNX dropped -55.32% vs PAAKX's -33.08%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PAAKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.79), 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.