VMMSX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VMMSX (Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VMMSX is a Emerging Markets Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, VMMSX returned 10.72%/yr vs 15.63%/yr for VFIAX. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VMMSX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

VMMSX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMMSX achieves a 20.95% return, which is significantly higher than VFIAX's 11.69% return. Over the past 10 years, VMMSX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 10.72%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.63% annualized return.

VMMSX

• 1D: 1.46%
• 1M: 5.99%
• YTD: 20.95%
• 6M: 22.99%
• 1Y: 48.86%
• 3Y*: 22.11%
• 5Y*: 6.94%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

VFIAX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 5.80%
• YTD: 11.69%
• 6M: 11.73%
• 1Y: 28.95%
• 3Y*: 22.72%
• 5Y*: 14.24%
• 10Y*: 15.63%

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

VMMSX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMMSX Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund	20.95%	35.68%	5.91%	10.58%	-18.15%	-1.40%	15.79%	21.42%	-12.53%	32.01%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	11.69%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VMMSX and VFIAX is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2011	0.70

The correlation between VMMSX and VFIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

VMMSX vs. VFIAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VMMSX	VFIAX
Technology	23.4%	35.7%
Financial Services	20.1%	11.6%
Consumer Cyclical	13.3%	10.2%
Industrials	7.2%	8.3%
Communication Services	6.6%	11.3%
Basic Materials	6.1%	1.8%
Energy	5.5%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.2%	4.9%
Utilities	2.1%	2.4%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%
Healthcare	1.2%	8.5%

Return for Risk

VMMSX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMMSX

VMMSX Risk / Return Rank: 82
VMMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
VMMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VMMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VMMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VMMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 73
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

VMMSX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	VMMSX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.96	2.52	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.76	3.42	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.46	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.66	3.35	+0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.53	15.66	-1.13
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VMMSX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMMSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.96, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMMSX and VFIAX, 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

	VMMSX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.96	2.52	+0.45
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39	0.85	-0.45
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59	0.87	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	0.47	-0.14

Drawdowns

VMMSX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMMSX drawdown since its inception was -39.28%, smaller than the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMMSX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMMSX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.28%	-55.20%	+15.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.46%	-8.90%	-4.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.37%	-18.75%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.39%	-24.53%	-12.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.82%	-33.83%	-4.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.41%	-9.40%	-4.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	1.90%	+1.48%

Volatility

VMMSX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX) has a higher volatility of 6.08% compared to Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) at 2.82%. This indicates that VMMSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMMSX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.08%	2.82%	+3.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.89%	8.98%	+4.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.63%	11.86%	+4.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.78%	16.90%	+0.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.38%	18.07%	+0.31%

VMMSX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMMSX has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMMSX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

VMMSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.92%, more than VFIAX's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.01%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
VMMSX Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund	1.92%	2.32%	3.33%	3.05%	3.71%	6.80%	1.04%	2.04%	2.53%	1.54%	1.44%	1.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMMSX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

VMMSX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMMSX or VFIAX?

VMMSX has higher volatility (6.08%) compared to VFIAX (2.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMMSX dropped -39.28% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.96 vs 2.52), 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.