VTSAX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VTSAX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VTSAX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, VTSAX returned 15.03%/yr vs 15.54%/yr for VFIAX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

VTSAX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VTSAX having a 11.13% return and VFIAX slightly lower at 10.87%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VTSAX having a 15.03% annualized return and VFIAX not far ahead at 15.54%.

VTSAX

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: 4.07%
• YTD: 11.13%
• 6M: 10.86%
• 1Y: 28.10%
• 3Y*: 22.03%
• 5Y*: 12.68%
• 10Y*: 15.03%

VFIAX

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 4.17%
• YTD: 10.87%
• 6M: 10.78%
• 1Y: 27.99%
• 3Y*: 22.42%
• 5Y*: 13.87%
• 10Y*: 15.54%

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

VTSAX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	11.13%	17.12%	23.23%	26.51%	-19.52%	25.72%	20.98%	30.79%	-5.18%	21.16%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.87%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VTSAX and VFIAX is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 14, 2000	0.99

The correlation between VTSAX and VFIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTSAX vs. VFIAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTSAX	VFIAX
Technology	33.3%	35.7%
Financial Services	11.9%	11.6%
Communication Services	10.1%	11.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	10.2%
Industrials	9.5%	8.3%
Healthcare	9.1%	8.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.9%
Energy	3.8%	3.5%
Utilities	2.7%	2.4%
Real Estate	2.4%	1.9%
Basic Materials	2.0%	1.8%

Return for Risk

VTSAX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTSAX

VTSAX Risk / Return Rank: 64
VTSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VTSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VTSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
VTSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 66
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
VFIAX 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.

VTSAX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	VTSAX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	2.37	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.17	3.24	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.43	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	3.16	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.61	14.76	-0.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTSAX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTSAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTSAX and VFIAX, 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

	VTSAX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.31	2.37	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73	0.83	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82	0.86	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.47	0.00

Drawdowns

VTSAX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTSAX drawdown since its inception was -55.33%, roughly equal to the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTSAX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTSAX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.33%	-55.20%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-8.90%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	-18.75%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.36%	-24.53%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.97%	-33.83%	-1.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-0.73%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.00%	-9.40%	+0.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	1.90%	+0.03%

Volatility

VTSAX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) have volatilities of 3.05% and 2.92%, 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

	VTSAX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.05%	2.92%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.20%	8.99%	+0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.22%	11.88%	+0.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.36%	16.90%	+0.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.41%	18.07%	+0.34%

VTSAX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VTSAX and VFIAX have an expense ratio of 0.04%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTSAX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

VTSAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, which matches VFIAX's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.02%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.01%	1.11%	1.26%	1.42%	1.65%	1.20%	1.41%	1.76%	2.03%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTSAX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VTSAX and VFIAX 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, VTSAX or VFIAX?

VTSAX has higher volatility (3.05%) compared to VFIAX (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTSAX dropped -55.33% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 2.31), 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.