VSMPX vs. VFIFX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VSMPX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) and VFIFX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund) are both mutual funds - VSMPX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index, while VFIFX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VSMPX returned 15.08%/yr vs 11.75%/yr for VFIFX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSMPX charges 0.02%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VFIFX.

Performance

VSMPX vs. VFIFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSMPX achieves a 10.73% return, which is significantly lower than VFIFX's 11.49% return. Over the past 10 years, VSMPX has outperformed VFIFX with an annualized return of 15.08%, while VFIFX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.75% annualized return.

VSMPX

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 10.73%
• 6M: 9.94%
• 1Y: 27.59%
• 3Y*: 20.69%
• 5Y*: 12.89%
• 10Y*: 15.08%

VFIFX

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 11.49%
• 6M: 11.33%
• 1Y: 27.52%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 10.41%
• 10Y*: 11.75%

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

VSMPX vs. VFIFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSMPX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	10.73%	17.15%	23.26%	26.53%	-19.50%	25.74%	21.01%	30.79%	-5.16%	21.19%
VFIFX Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund	11.49%	21.42%	14.45%	20.39%	-17.48%	16.42%	16.40%	24.99%	-7.89%	19.15%

Correlation

The correlation between VSMPX and VFIFX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.96

The correlation between VSMPX and VFIFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSMPX vs. VFIFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSMPX

VSMPX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VSMPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VSMPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VSMPX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VSMPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VSMPX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

VFIFX

VFIFX Risk / Return Rank: 70
VFIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VFIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VFIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VFIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VFIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

VSMPX vs. VFIFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX). 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.

	VSMPX	VFIFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	2.25	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	3.09	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.41	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	3.06	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.79	13.25	+0.54

VSMPX vs. VFIFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSMPX Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the VFIFX Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSMPX and VFIFX, 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

VSMPX vs. VFIFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSMPX drawdown since its inception was -34.97%, smaller than the maximum VFIFX drawdown of -51.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSMPX and VFIFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSMPX	VFIFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.97%	-51.68%	+16.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-8.87%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-14.54%	-4.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.35%	-25.40%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.97%	-31.36%	-3.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-0.51%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.58%	-6.87%	+2.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	2.04%	-0.05%

Volatility

VSMPX vs. VFIFX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX) have volatilities of 4.88% and 4.86%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSMPX	VFIFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.88%	4.86%	+0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.11%	9.97%	+0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.80%	12.06%	+0.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.45%	14.29%	+3.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.45%	15.15%	+3.30%

VSMPX vs. VFIFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSMPX has a 0.02% expense ratio, which is lower than VFIFX's 0.08% 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

VSMPX vs. VFIFX - Dividend Comparison

VSMPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than VFIFX's 1.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIFX Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund	1.87%	2.09%	2.26%	2.21%	2.38%	12.83%	1.84%	2.20%	2.51%	0.03%	2.04%	2.36%
VSMPX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	1.03%	1.13%	1.27%	1.43%	1.67%	1.22%	1.43%	1.78%	2.05%	1.73%	1.95%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSMPX and VFIFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VSMPX and VFIFX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VSMPX or VFIFX?

VSMPX has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to VFIFX (4.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSMPX dropped -34.97% vs VFIFX's -51.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 2.14), 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.