VSLU vs. FXAIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VSLU (Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF) and FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) are both funds - VSLU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Applied Finance, while FXAIX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. VSLU is actively managed, while FXAIX is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VSLU returned 13.31%/yr vs 14.10%/yr for FXAIX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSLU charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for FXAIX.

Performance

VSLU vs. FXAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF (VSLU) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSLU achieves a 3.23% return, which is significantly lower than FXAIX's 10.19% return.

VSLU

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: -2.07%
• YTD: 3.23%
• 6M: 4.07%
• 1Y: 22.76%
• 3Y*: 20.03%
• 5Y*: 13.31%
• 10Y*: —

FXAIX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 10.19%
• 6M: 9.68%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 20.98%
• 5Y*: 14.10%
• 10Y*: 15.58%

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

VSLU vs. FXAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VSLU Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF	3.23%	21.52%	23.80%	26.79%	-16.05%	14.11%
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	10.19%	17.84%	25.01%	26.29%	-18.14%	14.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VSLU and FXAIX is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 30, 2021	0.95

The correlation between VSLU and FXAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSLU vs. FXAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSLU

VSLU Risk / Return Rank: 54
VSLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VSLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VSLU Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VSLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VSLU Martin Ratio Rank: 61

FXAIX

FXAIX Risk / Return Rank: 66
FXAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FXAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FXAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
FXAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
FXAIX 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.

VSLU vs. FXAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF (VSLU) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). 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.

	VSLU	FXAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	2.17	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	2.93	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.39	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.50	3.04	-0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.70	13.75	-3.05

VSLU vs. FXAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSLU Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the FXAIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSLU and FXAIX, 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

VSLU vs. FXAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSLU drawdown since its inception was -23.86%, smaller than the maximum FXAIX drawdown of -33.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSLU and FXAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSLU	FXAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.86%	-33.79%	+9.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.16%	-8.89%	-0.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.89%	-18.76%	+0.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.86%	-24.50%	+0.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.66%	-1.36%	-2.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.86%	-3.79%	-1.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	1.96%	+0.17%

Volatility

VSLU vs. FXAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF (VSLU) is 3.72%, while Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) has a volatility of 4.77%. This indicates that VSLU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FXAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSLU	FXAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.72%	4.77%	-1.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.74%	9.91%	-0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.74%	12.47%	+0.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.23%	17.01%	-0.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.13%	18.11%	-1.98%

VSLU vs. FXAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSLU has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than FXAIX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSLU vs. FXAIX - Dividend Comparison

VSLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, less than FXAIX's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	1.04%	1.11%	1.25%	1.45%	1.69%	1.22%	1.60%	2.06%	2.72%	1.97%	2.52%	2.83%
VSLU Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap US ETF	0.45%	0.46%	0.60%	0.60%	0.99%	0.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSLU and FXAIX in my portfolio?

VSLU and FXAIX have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSLU or FXAIX?

FXAIX has higher volatility (4.77%) compared to VSLU (3.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSLU dropped -23.86% vs FXAIX's -33.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.80), 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.