VRTPX vs. VFINX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VRTPX (Vanguard Real Estate II Index Fund) and VFINX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares) are both mutual funds - VRTPX is a REIT fund managed by Vanguard, while VFINX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 5 years, VRTPX returned 2.41%/yr vs 13.95%/yr for VFINX. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VRTPX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for VFINX.

Performance

VRTPX vs. VFINX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Real Estate II Index Fund (VRTPX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares (VFINX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VRTPX achieves a 9.18% return, which is significantly lower than VFINX's 10.12% return.

VRTPX

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -1.24%
• YTD: 9.18%
• 6M: 9.44%
• 1Y: 10.63%
• 3Y*: 8.40%
• 5Y*: 2.41%
• 10Y*: —

VFINX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 10.12%
• 6M: 9.61%
• 1Y: 27.02%
• 3Y*: 20.83%
• 5Y*: 13.95%
• 10Y*: 15.43%

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

VRTPX vs. VFINX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VRTPX Vanguard Real Estate II Index Fund	9.18%	2.22%	3.72%	13.17%	-26.14%	40.37%	-4.65%	28.96%	-5.99%	1.37%
VFINX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares	10.12%	17.71%	24.84%	26.12%	-18.24%	28.53%	18.20%	31.33%	-4.55%	7.61%

Correlation

The correlation between VRTPX and VFINX is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2017	0.59

Over the past year, the correlation between VRTPX and VFINX has dropped to 0.32 - well below their long-term average of 0.59, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VRTPX vs. VFINX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRTPX

VRTPX Risk / Return Rank: 12
VRTPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
VRTPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
VRTPX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VRTPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VRTPX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

VFINX

VFINX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VFINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VFINX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VFINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
VFINX 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.

VRTPX vs. VFINX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Real Estate II Index Fund (VRTPX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares (VFINX). 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.

	VRTPX	VFINX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.77	2.15	-1.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.14	2.91	-1.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.39	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.27	3.01	-1.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.99	13.62	-9.63

VRTPX vs. VFINX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRTPX Sharpe Ratio is 0.77, which is lower than the VFINX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRTPX and VFINX, 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

VRTPX vs. VFINX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRTPX drawdown since its inception was -42.33%, smaller than the maximum VFINX drawdown of -55.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRTPX and VFINX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRTPX	VFINX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.33%	-55.25%	+12.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.34%	-8.92%	+0.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.19%	-18.76%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.35%	-24.59%	-9.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.23%	-1.36%	-1.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.34%	-8.28%	-3.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	1.97%	+0.69%

Volatility

VRTPX vs. VFINX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Real Estate II Index Fund (VRTPX) has a higher volatility of 5.10% compared to Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares (VFINX) at 4.77%. This indicates that VRTPX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFINX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRTPX	VFINX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.10%	4.77%	+0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.12%	9.91%	+0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.75%	12.47%	+1.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.95%	16.99%	+1.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.77%	18.11%	+3.66%

VRTPX vs. VFINX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRTPX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than VFINX's 0.14% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VRTPX vs. VFINX - Dividend Comparison

VRTPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.57%, more than VFINX's 0.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFINX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares	0.94%	1.02%	1.14%	1.36%	1.57%	1.15%	1.45%	1.77%	1.94%	1.69%	1.92%	1.99%
VRTPX Vanguard Real Estate II Index Fund	3.57%	2.79%	3.80%	3.93%	4.52%	2.58%	3.92%	3.50%	4.77%	1.32%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRTPX and VFINX in my portfolio?

VRTPX and VFINX have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VRTPX or VFINX?

VRTPX has higher volatility (5.10%) compared to VFINX (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRTPX dropped -42.33% vs VFINX's -55.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFINX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 0.77), 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.