WALSX vs. VMNIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

WALSX (Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund) and VMNIX (Vanguard Market Neutral Fund Institutional Shares) are both Long-Short funds. Over the past 3 years, WALSX returned 5.68%/yr vs 13.93%/yr for VMNIX. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. WALSX charges 1.75%/yr vs 1.25%/yr for VMNIX.

Performance

WALSX vs. VMNIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund (WALSX) and Vanguard Market Neutral Fund Institutional Shares (VMNIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WALSX achieves a 5.70% return, which is significantly lower than VMNIX's 13.02% return.

WALSX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 1.17%
• YTD: 5.70%
• 6M: 3.93%
• 1Y: -3.21%
• 3Y*: 5.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VMNIX

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 2.68%
• YTD: 13.02%
• 6M: 13.79%
• 1Y: 20.70%
• 3Y*: 13.93%
• 5Y*: 13.88%
• 10Y*: 5.16%

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

WALSX vs. VMNIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
WALSX Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund	5.70%	-12.79%	7.24%	27.75%	-8.38%	12.20%
VMNIX Vanguard Market Neutral Fund Institutional Shares	13.02%	9.36%	5.84%	12.33%	13.47%	9.16%

Correlation

The correlation between WALSX and VMNIX is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2021	-0.03

Return for Risk

WALSX vs. VMNIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

WALSX

WALSX Risk / Return Rank: 2
WALSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
WALSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
WALSX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
WALSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
WALSX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

VMNIX

VMNIX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VMNIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
VMNIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
VMNIX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VMNIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
VMNIX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

WALSX vs. VMNIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund (WALSX) and Vanguard Market Neutral Fund Institutional Shares (VMNIX). 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.

	WALSX	VMNIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.23	2.73	-2.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.23	4.10	-4.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.50	-0.53
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.28	4.51	-4.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.55	12.73	-13.28

WALSX vs. VMNIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WALSX Sharpe Ratio is -0.23, which is lower than the VMNIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WALSX and VMNIX, 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

WALSX vs. VMNIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WALSX drawdown since its inception was -25.28%, smaller than the maximum VMNIX drawdown of -27.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WALSX and VMNIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WALSX	VMNIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.28%	-27.90%	+2.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.66%	-4.67%	-7.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.28%	-5.36%	-19.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-6.69%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.95%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.84%	-0.25%	-18.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.61%	-8.75%	-0.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.54%	1.65%	+4.89%

Volatility

WALSX vs. VMNIX - Volatility Comparison

Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund (WALSX) has a higher volatility of 3.61% compared to Vanguard Market Neutral Fund Institutional Shares (VMNIX) at 2.02%. This indicates that WALSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VMNIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WALSX	VMNIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.61%	2.02%	+1.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.75%	5.62%	+6.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.81%	7.75%	+8.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.33%	7.21%	+9.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.33%	6.41%	+9.92%

WALSX vs. VMNIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WALSX has a 1.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VMNIX's 1.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

WALSX vs. VMNIX - Dividend Comparison

WALSX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VMNIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.16%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VMNIX Vanguard Market Neutral Fund Institutional Shares	3.16%	3.59%	5.67%	5.15%	0.78%	0.20%	0.86%	3.23%	1.00%	1.16%	0.45%	0.10%
WALSX Wasatch Long/Short Alpha Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WALSX and VMNIX in my portfolio?

WALSX and VMNIX have a correlation of 0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WALSX or VMNIX?

WALSX has higher volatility (3.61%) compared to VMNIX (2.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WALSX dropped -25.28% vs VMNIX's -27.90%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMNIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs -0.23), 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.