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VMSAX vs. VFIAX
Performance
Return for Risk
Dividends
Drawdowns
Volatility

Performance

VMSAX vs. VFIAX - 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 Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

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VMSAX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison


2026 (YTD)2025202420232022
VMSAX
Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Fund Admiral Shares
-0.99%9.08%6.86%10.53%-8.42%
VFIAX
Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares
-7.06%17.83%24.97%26.24%-14.28%

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMSAX achieves a -0.99% return, which is significantly higher than VFIAX's -7.06% return.


VMSAX

1D
0.22%
1M
-1.98%
YTD
-0.99%
6M
0.66%
1Y
6.00%
3Y*
7.21%
5Y*
10Y*

VFIAX

1D
-0.39%
1M
-7.69%
YTD
-7.06%
6M
-4.61%
1Y
14.41%
3Y*
17.14%
5Y*
11.37%
10Y*
13.71%
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

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VMSAX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMSAX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% expense ratio.


Return for Risk

VMSAX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMSAX
VMSAX Risk / Return Rank: 3535
Overall Rank
VMSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
Sharpe Ratio Rank
VMSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4444
Sortino Ratio Rank
VMSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 9898
Omega Ratio Rank
VMSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
Calmar Ratio Rank
VMSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 1717
Martin Ratio Rank

VFIAX
VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 4646
Overall Rank
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4141
Sharpe Ratio Rank
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4545
Sortino Ratio Rank
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 5050
Omega Ratio Rank
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4141
Calmar Ratio Rank
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 5353
Martin Ratio Rank
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. VFIAX - 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 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.


VMSAXVFIAXDifference

Sharpe ratio

Return per unit of total volatility

0.05

0.84

-0.79

Sortino ratio

Return per unit of downside risk

1.32

1.30

+0.03

Omega ratio

Gain probability vs. loss probability

2.07

1.20

+0.88

Calmar ratio

Return relative to maximum drawdown

0.11

1.06

-0.94

Martin ratio

Return relative to average drawdown

1.75

5.13

-3.38

VMSAX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMSAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.05, which is lower than the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMSAX and VFIAX, offering insights into how both investments have performed under varying market conditions. These values are calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months.


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Sharpe Ratios by Period


VMSAXVFIAXDifference

Sharpe Ratio (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

0.05

0.84

-0.79

Sharpe Ratio (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.68

Sharpe Ratio (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.76

Sharpe Ratio (All Time)

Calculated using the full available price history

0.06

0.43

-0.37

Correlation

The correlation between VMSAX and VFIAX is 0.44, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.


Dividends

VMSAX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

VMSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.17%, more than VFIAX's 1.22% yield.


TTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
VMSAX
Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Fund Admiral Shares
5.17%5.66%6.48%5.52%3.76%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%
VFIAX
Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares
1.22%1.12%1.24%1.45%1.68%1.24%1.53%1.87%2.05%1.78%2.02%2.10%

Drawdowns

VMSAX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMSAX drawdown since its inception was -54.84%, roughly equal to the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMSAX and VFIAX.


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Drawdown Indicators


VMSAXVFIAXDifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-54.84%

-55.20%

+0.36%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-54.84%

-12.12%

-42.72%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-24.53%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-33.83%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

-2.03%

-8.90%

+6.87%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-3.21%

-9.46%

+6.25%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

3.50%

2.49%

+1.01%

Volatility

VMSAX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VMSAX) is 1.19%, while Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) has a volatility of 4.24%. This indicates that VMSAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.


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Volatility by Period


VMSAXVFIAXDifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

1.19%

4.24%

-3.05%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

112.83%

9.08%

+103.75%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

133.59%

18.13%

+115.46%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

65.65%

16.86%

+48.79%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

65.65%

18.03%

+47.62%