VTTSX vs. FFLEX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VTTSX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Fund) and FFLEX (Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, VTTSX returned 12.26%/yr vs 12.27%/yr for FFLEX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

VTTSX vs. FFLEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Fund (VTTSX) and Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class (FFLEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VTTSX having a 11.43% return and FFLEX slightly higher at 11.89%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VTTSX having a 12.26% annualized return and FFLEX not far ahead at 12.27%.

VTTSX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 1.55%
• YTD: 11.43%
• 6M: 10.78%
• 1Y: 26.52%
• 3Y*: 19.16%
• 5Y*: 10.12%
• 10Y*: 12.26%

FFLEX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 1.77%
• YTD: 11.89%
• 6M: 11.32%
• 1Y: 26.89%
• 3Y*: 19.02%
• 5Y*: 9.89%
• 10Y*: 12.27%

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

VTTSX vs. FFLEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTTSX Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Fund	11.43%	21.43%	14.61%	20.19%	-17.48%	16.45%	16.33%	26.18%	-8.78%	21.40%
FFLEX Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class	11.89%	21.47%	14.20%	19.97%	-18.19%	15.98%	16.46%	26.17%	-7.21%	20.63%

Correlation

The correlation between VTTSX and FFLEX is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2015	0.99

The correlation between VTTSX and FFLEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VTTSX vs. FFLEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTTSX

VTTSX Risk / Return Rank: 71
VTTSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VTTSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VTTSX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VTTSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
VTTSX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

FFLEX

FFLEX Risk / Return Rank: 70
FFLEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FFLEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
FFLEX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
FFLEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FFLEX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

VTTSX vs. FFLEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Fund (VTTSX) and Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class (FFLEX). 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.

	VTTSX	FFLEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	2.25	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	3.08	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.42	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.09	3.09	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.39	13.32	+0.07

VTTSX vs. FFLEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTTSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the FFLEX Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTTSX and FFLEX, 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

VTTSX vs. FFLEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTTSX drawdown since its inception was -31.38%, roughly equal to the maximum FFLEX drawdown of -30.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTTSX and FFLEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTTSX	FFLEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.38%	-30.71%	-0.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.93%	-9.07%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.51%	-14.68%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.40%	-26.17%	+0.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.38%	-30.71%	-0.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.66%	-0.66%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.03%	-4.65%	+0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.06%	2.10%	-0.04%

Volatility

VTTSX vs. FFLEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Fund (VTTSX) is 4.77%, while Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class (FFLEX) has a volatility of 5.07%. This indicates that VTTSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FFLEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTTSX	FFLEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.77%	5.07%	-0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.99%	10.39%	-0.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.14%	12.46%	-0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.29%	14.53%	-0.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.15%	15.22%	-0.07%

VTTSX vs. FFLEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VTTSX and FFLEX have an expense ratio of 0.08%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTTSX vs. FFLEX - Dividend Comparison

VTTSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.84%, more than FFLEX's 1.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FFLEX Fidelity Freedom Index 2060 Fund Institutional Premium Class	1.72%	1.98%	1.98%	1.94%	2.03%	1.95%	1.85%	6.75%	2.36%	2.16%	2.44%	1.82%
VTTSX Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Fund	1.84%	2.06%	2.20%	2.14%	2.09%	5.67%	1.83%	2.11%	2.33%	1.77%	1.98%	1.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTTSX and FFLEX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VTTSX and FFLEX 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, VTTSX or FFLEX?

FFLEX has higher volatility (5.07%) compared to VTTSX (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTTSX dropped -31.38% vs FFLEX's -30.71%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTTSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 2.25), 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.