VFIAX vs VTSAX
Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Class vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Class
Quick Verdict
VTSAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTSAX offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VFIAX | VTSAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $677.6B | $480.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 1.05% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.00% | +12.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.44% | +20.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.48% | +20.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.36% | +10.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 16.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.4% | -26.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2000 | Nov 13, 2000 |
VFIAX vs VTSAX Performance
Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Class (VFIAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Class (VTSAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VFIAX returned +20.44% while VTSAX returned +20.93%. Year to date, VFIAX is up 12.00% versus a gain of 12.46% for VTSAX.
Over three years, VFIAX compounded at +20.48% per year against +20.25% for VTSAX; over five years the annualized figures are +11.36% and +10.45% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VFIAX has the edge at +11.36% annualized vs +10.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% compared with 15.7% for VFIAX. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -25.4% for VFIAX and -26.3% for VTSAX. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VFIAX charges 0.04% per year while VTSAX charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, VFIAX currently yields 1.06% against 1.05% for VTSAX.
Holdings Overlap
VFIAX and VTSAX share 466 holdings out of 2763 unique holdings combined, representing a 81.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VFIAX or VTSAX?
VFIAX has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VTSAX charges 0.04%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VFIAX or VTSAX?
Over the past year VFIAX returned +20.44% vs +20.93% for VTSAX, so VTSAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VFIAX annualized +11.36% vs +10.45% for VTSAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VFIAX or VTSAX?
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.7% for VFIAX. Worst drawdown: VFIAX -25.4% vs VTSAX -26.3%.
Should I hold both VFIAX and VTSAX?
VFIAX and VTSAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VFIAX and VTSAX?
VFIAX and VTSAX share 466 common holdings with a 81.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2763 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VFIAX or VTSAX?
VFIAX yields 1.06% while VTSAX yields 1.05%, so VFIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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