VNSYX vs. VFFSX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VNSYX (Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund) and VFFSX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, VNSYX returned 10.58%/yr vs 13.90%/yr for VFFSX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VNSYX charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for VFFSX.

Performance

VNSYX vs. VFFSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund (VNSYX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VFFSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VNSYX achieves a 8.68% return, which is significantly lower than VFFSX's 10.88% return.

VNSYX

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 2.61%
• YTD: 8.68%
• 6M: 8.25%
• 1Y: 23.04%
• 3Y*: 13.59%
• 5Y*: 10.58%
• 10Y*: 13.81%

VFFSX

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.17%
• YTD: 10.88%
• 6M: 10.79%
• 1Y: 28.02%
• 3Y*: 22.45%
• 5Y*: 13.90%
• 10Y*: —

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

VNSYX vs. VFFSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VNSYX Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund	8.68%	13.11%	10.69%	22.23%	-16.65%	39.78%	18.57%	27.85%	-4.74%	23.02%
VFFSX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares	10.88%	17.87%	25.00%	26.28%	-18.14%	29.24%	18.35%	31.88%	-4.42%	20.80%

Correlation

The correlation between VNSYX and VFFSX is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2017	0.88

The correlation between VNSYX and VFFSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (1 year) to 0.88 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VNSYX vs. VFFSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VNSYX

VNSYX Risk / Return Rank: 47
VNSYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VNSYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VNSYX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
VNSYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VNSYX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VFFSX

VFFSX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VFFSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VFFSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VFFSX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VFFSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
VFFSX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

VNSYX vs. VFFSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund (VNSYX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VFFSX). 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.

	VNSYX	VFFSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.37	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	3.24	-0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.43	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	3.17	-0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.61	14.79	-5.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VNSYX vs. VFFSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VNSYX Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the VFFSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VNSYX and VFFSX, 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

	VNSYX	VFFSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.03	2.37	-0.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62	0.83	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.85	0.85	-0.01

Drawdowns

VNSYX vs. VFFSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VNSYX drawdown since its inception was -33.15%, roughly equal to the maximum VFFSX drawdown of -33.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VNSYX and VFFSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VNSYX	VFFSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.15%	-33.82%	+0.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.85%	-8.90%	-2.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.65%	-18.75%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.91%	-24.51%	+0.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.15%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.48%	-0.74%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.16%	-4.50%	+0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	1.90%	+1.37%

Volatility

VNSYX vs. VFFSX - Volatility Comparison

Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund (VNSYX) has a higher volatility of 3.31% compared to Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VFFSX) at 2.93%. This indicates that VNSYX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFFSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VNSYX	VFFSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.31%	2.93%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.54%	9.00%	+2.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.22%	11.89%	+2.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.71%	16.90%	+0.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	18.41%	-0.31%

VNSYX vs. VFFSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VNSYX has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than VFFSX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

VNSYX vs. VFFSX - Dividend Comparison

VNSYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.58%, more than VFFSX's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFFSX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Institutional Select Shares	1.04%	1.14%	1.24%	1.46%	1.70%	1.61%	1.56%	2.15%	2.09%	1.81%	0.00%	0.00%
VNSYX Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select Fund	8.58%	9.33%	0.00%	0.14%	1.18%	36.73%	7.14%	8.46%	10.64%	8.55%	1.89%	2.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VNSYX and VFFSX in my portfolio?

VNSYX and VFFSX have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VNSYX or VFFSX?

VNSYX has higher volatility (3.31%) compared to VFFSX (2.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VNSYX dropped -33.15% vs VFFSX's -33.82%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFFSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 2.03), 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.