VLCAX vs. FXAIX
VLCAX (Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares) and FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - VLCAX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Index, while FXAIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VLCAX returned 15.42%/yr vs 15.44%/yr for FXAIX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VLCAX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for FXAIX.
Performance
VLCAX vs. FXAIX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VLCAX having a 8.29% return and FXAIX slightly higher at 8.59%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VLCAX having a 15.42% annualized return and FXAIX not far ahead at 15.44%.
VLCAX
- 1D
- 1.77%
- 1M
- -1.18%
- YTD
- 8.29%
- 6M
- 8.61%
- 1Y
- 24.78%
- 3Y*
- 21.25%
- 5Y*
- 12.90%
- 10Y*
- 15.42%
FXAIX
- 1D
- 1.76%
- 1M
- -1.31%
- YTD
- 8.59%
- 6M
- 8.94%
- 1Y
- 25.18%
- 3Y*
- 21.06%
- 5Y*
- 13.34%
- 10Y*
- 15.44%
VLCAX vs. FXAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VLCAX Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares | 8.29% | 18.09% | 25.10% | 27.26% | -19.69% | 27.02% | 21.03% | 31.39% | -4.49% | 22.02% |
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund | 8.59% | 17.84% | 25.01% | 26.29% | -18.14% | 28.71% | 18.42% | 31.48% | -4.43% | 21.82% |
Correlation
The correlation between VLCAX and FXAIX is 1.00 - 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 | 1.00 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 1.00 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 1.00 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 4, 2011 | 1.00 |
The correlation between VLCAX and FXAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
VLCAX vs. FXAIX — Risk / Return Rank
VLCAX
FXAIX
VLCAX vs. FXAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLCAX) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). 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.
| VLCAX | FXAIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.05 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.06 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.35 | 1.36 | -0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.61 | 2.74 | -0.13 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.68 | 12.46 | -0.78 |
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Drawdowns
VLCAX vs. FXAIX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VLCAX drawdown since its inception was -54.76%, which is greater than FXAIX's maximum drawdown of -33.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLCAX and FXAIX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VLCAX | FXAIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -54.76% | -33.79% | -20.97% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.19% | -8.89% | -0.30% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.01% | -18.76% | -0.25% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.65% | -24.50% | -1.15% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -33.97% | -33.79% | -0.18% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.87% | -2.79% | -0.08% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.85% | -3.79% | -3.06% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.05% | 1.95% | +0.10% |
Volatility
VLCAX vs. FXAIX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLCAX) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) have volatilities of 4.52% and 4.44%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| VLCAX | FXAIX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.52% | 4.44% | +0.08% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.77% | 9.70% | +0.07% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 12.45% | 12.37% | +0.08% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.23% | 16.99% | +0.24% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 18.23% | 18.10% | +0.13% |
VLCAX vs. FXAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VLCAX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than FXAIX's 0.02% 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
VLCAX vs. FXAIX - Dividend Comparison
VLCAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, less than FXAIX's 1.06% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund | 1.06% | 1.11% | 1.25% | 1.45% | 1.69% | 1.22% | 1.60% | 2.06% | 2.72% | 1.97% | 2.52% | 2.83% |
VLCAX Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares | 0.99% | 1.08% | 1.23% | 1.40% | 1.66% | 1.18% | 1.45% | 1.80% | 2.08% | 1.75% | 1.98% | 1.96% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 1.00, VLCAX and FXAIX 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.
VLCAX has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to FXAIX (4.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLCAX dropped -54.76% vs FXAIX's -33.79%.
FXAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.93), 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.
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