VLAAX vs. SMIFX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VLAAX (Value Line Asset Allocation Fund) and SMIFX (Sound Mind Investing Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. Over the past 10 years, VLAAX returned 7.10%/yr vs 9.52%/yr for SMIFX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VLAAX charges 1.04%/yr vs 1.19%/yr for SMIFX.

Performance

VLAAX vs. SMIFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Value Line Asset Allocation Fund (VLAAX) and Sound Mind Investing Fund (SMIFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLAAX achieves a -5.54% return, which is significantly lower than SMIFX's 16.87% return. Over the past 10 years, VLAAX has underperformed SMIFX with an annualized return of 7.10%, while SMIFX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.52% annualized return.

VLAAX

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: 0.67%
• YTD: -5.54%
• 6M: -6.39%
• 1Y: -11.77%
• 3Y*: 4.21%
• 5Y*: 2.64%
• 10Y*: 7.10%

SMIFX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 2.45%
• YTD: 16.87%
• 6M: 16.66%
• 1Y: 20.20%
• 3Y*: 13.17%
• 5Y*: 5.89%
• 10Y*: 9.52%

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

VLAAX vs. SMIFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLAAX Value Line Asset Allocation Fund	-5.54%	-2.61%	9.36%	21.52%	-15.70%	11.77%	15.24%	25.40%	2.00%	14.94%
SMIFX Sound Mind Investing Fund	16.87%	3.16%	16.65%	5.17%	-8.93%	11.15%	20.76%	19.28%	-8.56%	17.49%

Correlation

The correlation between VLAAX and SMIFX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2005	0.85

Over the past year, the correlation between VLAAX and SMIFX has dropped to 0.49 - well below their long-term average of 0.85, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VLAAX vs. SMIFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLAAX

VLAAX Risk / Return Rank: 0
VLAAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
VLAAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
VLAAX Omega Ratio Rank: 0
VLAAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
VLAAX Martin Ratio Rank: 0

SMIFX

SMIFX Risk / Return Rank: 40
SMIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
SMIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
SMIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SMIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SMIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

VLAAX vs. SMIFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Value Line Asset Allocation Fund (VLAAX) and Sound Mind Investing Fund (SMIFX). 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.

	VLAAX	SMIFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.31	1.72	-3.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.75	2.37	-4.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.80	1.31	-0.50
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.81	2.68	-3.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.49	8.61	-10.11
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VLAAX vs. SMIFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLAAX Sharpe Ratio is -1.31, which is lower than the SMIFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLAAX and SMIFX, 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

	VLAAX	SMIFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.31	1.72	-3.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19	0.20	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.40	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.32	+0.28

Drawdowns

VLAAX vs. SMIFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLAAX drawdown since its inception was -43.95%, smaller than the maximum SMIFX drawdown of -54.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLAAX and SMIFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLAAX	SMIFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.95%	-54.33%	+10.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.38%	-7.42%	-6.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.28%	-19.98%	-0.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.26%	-41.36%	+19.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.89%	-41.36%	+17.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.41%	-8.74%	-9.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.89%	-14.28%	+7.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.83%	2.31%	+5.52%

Volatility

VLAAX vs. SMIFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Value Line Asset Allocation Fund (VLAAX) is 2.80%, while Sound Mind Investing Fund (SMIFX) has a volatility of 3.01%. This indicates that VLAAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMIFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLAAX	SMIFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.80%	3.01%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.68%	8.89%	-2.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.93%	11.62%	-2.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.64%	29.03%	-15.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.92%	24.18%	-11.26%

VLAAX vs. SMIFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLAAX has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is lower than SMIFX's 1.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLAAX vs. SMIFX - Dividend Comparison

VLAAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.94%, more than SMIFX's 4.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMIFX Sound Mind Investing Fund	4.56%	5.33%	1.28%	1.73%	0.97%	46.86%	0.00%	0.48%	26.02%	10.06%	0.00%	14.94%
VLAAX Value Line Asset Allocation Fund	12.94%	12.22%	10.14%	9.88%	6.00%	6.43%	0.53%	1.74%	3.09%	4.34%	2.38%	2.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLAAX and SMIFX in my portfolio?

VLAAX and SMIFX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLAAX or SMIFX?

SMIFX has higher volatility (3.01%) compared to VLAAX (2.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLAAX dropped -43.95% vs SMIFX's -54.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMIFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs -1.31), 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.