VMSAX vs. SPATX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VMSAX (Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Fund Admiral Shares) and SPATX (Symmetry Panoramic Alternatives Fund) are both mutual funds - VMSAX is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Vanguard, while SPATX is a Multistrategy fund managed by Symmetry Partners. Over the past 3 years, VMSAX returned 7.93%/yr vs 10.02%/yr for SPATX. At a correlation of -0.32, they often move in opposite directions. VMSAX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SPATX.

Performance

VMSAX vs. SPATX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VMSAX) and Symmetry Panoramic Alternatives Fund (SPATX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMSAX achieves a 1.40% return, which is significantly lower than SPATX's 7.48% return.

VMSAX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.16%
• 6M: 1.23%
• YTD: 1.40%
• 1Y: 5.75%
• 3Y*: 7.93%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPATX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -0.38%
• 6M: 7.13%
• YTD: 7.48%
• 1Y: 14.09%
• 3Y*: 10.02%
• 5Y*: 9.07%
• 10Y*: —

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

VMSAX vs. SPATX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VMSAX Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Fund Admiral Shares	1.40%	9.08%	6.86%	10.53%	-8.42%
SPATX Symmetry Panoramic Alternatives Fund	7.48%	11.09%	1.50%	11.90%	9.82%

Correlation

The correlation between VMSAX and SPATX is -0.14, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.14
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.16
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2022	-0.32

The correlation between VMSAX and SPATX shifts across timeframes, from -0.32 (all time) to -0.14 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VMSAX vs. SPATX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMSAX

VMSAX Risk / Return Rank: 26
VMSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
VMSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
VMSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 98
VMSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
VMSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

SPATX

SPATX Risk / Return Rank: 98
SPATX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
SPATX Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
SPATX Omega Ratio Rank: 96
SPATX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
SPATX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

VMSAX vs. SPATX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VMSAX) and Symmetry Panoramic Alternatives Fund (SPATX). 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.

	VMSAX	SPATX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.04	3.66	-3.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.31	5.59	-4.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	2.08	1.73	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.10	7.27	-7.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.60	25.90	-24.30

VMSAX vs. SPATX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMSAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.04, which is lower than the SPATX Sharpe Ratio of 3.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMSAX and SPATX, 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

VMSAX vs. SPATX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMSAX drawdown since its inception was -54.84%, which is greater than SPATX's maximum drawdown of -11.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMSAX and SPATX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMSAX	SPATX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.84%	-11.67%	-43.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.84%	-1.95%	-52.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-54.84%	-5.89%	-48.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-5.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.27%	-1.05%	+0.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.02%	-1.69%	-1.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.49%	0.55%	+2.94%

Volatility

VMSAX vs. SPATX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VMSAX) is 0.69%, while Symmetry Panoramic Alternatives Fund (SPATX) has a volatility of 1.33%. This indicates that VMSAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPATX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMSAX	SPATX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.69%	1.33%	-0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.08%	3.07%	-0.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	133.32%	3.91%	+129.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	63.52%	6.26%	+57.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	63.52%	6.03%	+57.49%

VMSAX vs. SPATX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMSAX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than SPATX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMSAX vs. SPATX - Dividend Comparison

VMSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.47%, more than SPATX's 2.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SPATX Symmetry Panoramic Alternatives Fund	2.83%	3.05%	2.65%	6.16%	6.22%	2.08%	0.00%	1.87%	2.33%
VMSAX Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Fund Admiral Shares	5.47%	5.66%	6.48%	5.52%	3.76%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMSAX and SPATX in my portfolio?

VMSAX and SPATX have a correlation of -0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMSAX or SPATX?

SPATX has higher volatility (1.33%) compared to VMSAX (0.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMSAX dropped -54.84% vs SPATX's -11.67%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPATX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.66 vs 0.04), 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.