VMSIX vs. RFXIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VMSIX (Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Inv) and RFXIX (Rational Special Situations Income Fund) are both Multisector Bonds funds. Over the past 3 years, VMSIX returned 7.81%/yr vs 5.71%/yr for RFXIX. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VMSIX charges 0.45%/yr vs 1.76%/yr for RFXIX.

Performance

VMSIX vs. RFXIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Inv (VMSIX) and Rational Special Situations Income Fund (RFXIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMSIX achieves a 1.14% return, which is significantly lower than RFXIX's 1.79% return.

VMSIX

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 1.14%
• 6M: 1.64%
• 1Y: 6.96%
• 3Y*: 7.81%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RFXIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 1.79%
• 6M: 1.65%
• 1Y: 5.05%
• 3Y*: 5.71%
• 5Y*: 4.26%
• 10Y*: —

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

VMSIX vs. RFXIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VMSIX Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Inv	1.14%	9.09%	6.68%	10.43%	-8.50%
RFXIX Rational Special Situations Income Fund	1.79%	4.73%	8.95%	4.08%	-0.86%

Correlation

The correlation between VMSIX and RFXIX is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2022	0.49

The correlation between VMSIX and RFXIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.50 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VMSIX vs. RFXIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMSIX

VMSIX Risk / Return Rank: 83
VMSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
VMSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
VMSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
VMSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VMSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

RFXIX

RFXIX Risk / Return Rank: 97
RFXIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
RFXIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
RFXIX Omega Ratio Rank: 98
RFXIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
RFXIX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

VMSIX vs. RFXIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Inv (VMSIX) and Rational Special Situations Income Fund (RFXIX). 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.

	VMSIX	RFXIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.89	3.61	-0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.37	5.38	-1.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	2.10	-0.47
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	7.03	-3.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.86	28.70	-13.84
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VMSIX vs. RFXIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMSIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.89, which is comparable to the RFXIX Sharpe Ratio of 3.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMSIX and RFXIX, 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

	VMSIX	RFXIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.89	3.61	-0.72
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	2.19	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.88	1.41	-0.54

Drawdowns

VMSIX vs. RFXIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMSIX drawdown since its inception was -13.11%, roughly equal to the maximum RFXIX drawdown of -12.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMSIX and RFXIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMSIX	RFXIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.11%	-12.91%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.20%	-0.72%	-1.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.82%	-1.05%	-2.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-4.93%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.08%	-0.87%	-2.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.48%	0.18%	+0.30%

Volatility

VMSIX vs. RFXIX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Inv (VMSIX) has a higher volatility of 0.87% compared to Rational Special Situations Income Fund (RFXIX) at 0.32%. This indicates that VMSIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFXIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMSIX	RFXIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.87%	0.32%	+0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.97%	0.77%	+1.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.46%	1.41%	+1.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.69%	1.95%	+2.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.69%	2.95%	+1.74%

VMSIX vs. RFXIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMSIX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than RFXIX's 1.76% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMSIX vs. RFXIX - Dividend Comparison

VMSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.44%, which matches RFXIX's 5.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
RFXIX Rational Special Situations Income Fund	5.40%	5.02%	6.69%	7.85%	6.08%	5.04%	4.99%	1.39%
VMSIX Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond Inv	5.44%	5.56%	6.37%	5.43%	3.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMSIX and RFXIX in my portfolio?

VMSIX and RFXIX have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMSIX or RFXIX?

VMSIX has higher volatility (0.87%) compared to RFXIX (0.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMSIX dropped -13.11% vs RFXIX's -12.91%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFXIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.61 vs 2.89), 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.