VMVLX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

VMVLX (Vanguard Mega Cap Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VMVLX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, VMVLX returned 12.69%/yr vs 15.13%/yr for VFIAX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VMVLX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

VMVLX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mega Cap Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMVLX) 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, VMVLX achieves a 16.92% return, which is significantly higher than VFIAX's 10.45% return. Over the past 10 years, VMVLX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 12.69%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.13% annualized return.

VMVLX

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 1.22%
• 6M: 13.55%
• YTD: 16.92%
• 1Y: 26.24%
• 3Y*: 18.95%
• 5Y*: 12.94%
• 10Y*: 12.69%

VFIAX

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: 1.21%
• 6M: 8.53%
• YTD: 10.45%
• 1Y: 21.28%
• 3Y*: 20.15%
• 5Y*: 12.99%
• 10Y*: 15.13%

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

VMVLX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMVLX Vanguard Mega Cap Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	16.92%	15.60%	16.87%	9.14%	-1.21%	25.92%	2.48%	25.71%	-4.09%	16.81%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.45%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VMVLX and VFIAX is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2007	0.91

Over the past year, the correlation between VMVLX and VFIAX has dropped to 0.65 - well below their long-term average of 0.91, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VMVLX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMVLX

VMVLX Risk / Return Rank: 91
VMVLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
VMVLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
VMVLX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
VMVLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VMVLX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 62
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

VMVLX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mega Cap Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMVLX) 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.

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.

	VMVLX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.59	1.72	+0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.72	2.37	+1.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.31	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.12	2.42	+1.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.78	10.62	+5.16

VMVLX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMVLX Sharpe Ratio is 2.59, which is higher than the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMVLX 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.

Drawdowns

VMVLX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMVLX drawdown since its inception was -55.79%, roughly equal to the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMVLX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMVLX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.79%	-55.20%	-0.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.41%	-8.90%	+2.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.12%	-18.75%	+5.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.60%	-24.53%	+7.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.57%	-33.83%	-1.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.53%	-1.11%	+0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.61%	-9.37%	+1.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.67%	2.02%	-0.35%

Volatility

VMVLX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mega Cap Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VMVLX) is 3.33%, while Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) has a volatility of 3.97%. This indicates that VMVLX 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.

Volatility by Period

	VMVLX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.33%	3.97%	-0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.83%	9.99%	-2.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.23%	12.57%	-2.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.58%	17.01%	-3.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.42%	18.05%	-1.63%

VMVLX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMVLX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% 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

VMVLX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

VMVLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.87%, more than VFIAX's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.06%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
VMVLX Vanguard Mega Cap Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.87%	2.05%	2.32%	2.49%	2.46%	2.18%	2.47%	2.70%	2.66%	2.36%	1.90%	2.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMVLX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

VMVLX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMVLX or VFIAX?

VFIAX has higher volatility (3.97%) compared to VMVLX (3.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMVLX dropped -55.79% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMVLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.59 vs 1.72), 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.