VSPVX vs. NFJEX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VSPVX (Vanguard S&P 500 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares) and NFJEX (Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VSPVX returned 11.62%/yr vs 9.82%/yr for NFJEX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSPVX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for NFJEX.

Performance

VSPVX vs. NFJEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P 500 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSPVX) and Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund (NFJEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSPVX achieves a 9.52% return, which is significantly lower than NFJEX's 22.28% return. Over the past 10 years, VSPVX has outperformed NFJEX with an annualized return of 11.62%, while NFJEX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.82% annualized return.

VSPVX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 0.62%
• 6M: 6.64%
• YTD: 9.52%
• 1Y: 19.21%
• 3Y*: 14.07%
• 5Y*: 11.57%
• 10Y*: 11.62%

NFJEX

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 2.10%
• 6M: 17.96%
• YTD: 22.28%
• 1Y: 30.62%
• 3Y*: 14.97%
• 5Y*: 9.87%
• 10Y*: 9.82%

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

VSPVX vs. NFJEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSPVX Vanguard S&P 500 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	9.52%	12.62%	11.99%	22.39%	-5.33%	24.80%	1.23%	31.84%	-9.02%	15.28%
NFJEX Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund	22.28%	8.46%	5.29%	19.79%	-13.63%	28.90%	-2.13%	25.12%	-10.15%	15.49%

Correlation

The correlation between VSPVX and NFJEX is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 28, 2014	0.93

The correlation between VSPVX and NFJEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSPVX vs. NFJEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSPVX

VSPVX Risk / Return Rank: 79
VSPVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
VSPVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
VSPVX Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VSPVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
VSPVX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

NFJEX

NFJEX Risk / Return Rank: 88
NFJEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
NFJEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
NFJEX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
NFJEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
NFJEX Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

VSPVX vs. NFJEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSPVX) and Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund (NFJEX). 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.

	VSPVX	NFJEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.39	-0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	3.45	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.42	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.16	4.23	-1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.01	14.53	-2.52

VSPVX vs. NFJEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSPVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the NFJEX Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSPVX and NFJEX, 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

VSPVX vs. NFJEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSPVX drawdown since its inception was -37.05%, smaller than the maximum NFJEX drawdown of -61.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSPVX and NFJEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSPVX	NFJEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.05%	-61.94%	+24.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-7.38%	+1.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.91%	-19.69%	+1.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.00%	-23.29%	+5.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.05%	-39.25%	+2.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	0.00%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.03%	-9.57%	+5.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.64%	2.15%	-0.51%

Volatility

VSPVX vs. NFJEX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard S&P 500 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSPVX) and Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund (NFJEX) have volatilities of 2.26% and 2.24%, 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

	VSPVX	NFJEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.26%	2.24%	+0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.23%	9.64%	-2.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.88%	13.19%	-3.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.40%	16.55%	-2.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.99%	18.04%	-1.05%

VSPVX vs. NFJEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSPVX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than NFJEX's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSPVX vs. NFJEX - Dividend Comparison

VSPVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.69%, less than NFJEX's 10.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NFJEX Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund	10.07%	12.61%	3.51%	14.16%	19.01%	6.43%	1.96%	14.20%	27.33%	27.35%	6.05%	2.77%
VSPVX Vanguard S&P 500 Value Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.69%	1.35%	2.12%	1.70%	2.21%	1.88%	2.46%	2.12%	2.73%	2.18%	2.30%	2.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSPVX and NFJEX in my portfolio?

VSPVX and NFJEX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSPVX or NFJEX?

VSPVX has higher volatility (2.26%) compared to NFJEX (2.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSPVX dropped -37.05% vs NFJEX's -61.94%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NFJEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 2.01), 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.