MJG,
I checked a few funds and results are not consistent.
at low-risk, VFINX
period 12/31/2006 to 3/31/2009
Portfolio Total Return: -40.9%
The above portfolio's total return was -40.9%, outperforming the S&P 500's return of -43.7%. The total return includes stock price appreciation and dividends.
Q1. Why is VFINX return better than VFINX?
Q2. Morningstar has total balance at $5906 for this period for VFINX, which should be around -31% total return, not -40% as above. However, OAKBX has ending balance of $8809, which matches low-risk site total return of -11.8%.
I had checked VGHCX over a few periods and the total returns matched.

Thanks John...some thoughts
S&P 500 is undervalued...
Any good dividend paying S&P 500 funds that pay while you wait?
Japanese equities (could be a value trap...needs a growth catalyst):
I own these:
OAKIX= Oakmark International (30% exposure to Japan)
MAJFOX = Matthews Japan
PRJFX = TR Price Japan
Emerging markets(need to watch closely...big runs up and down):
Own these:
TREMX (T Rowe Price Int:Em Euro)...Russia,Turkey E. Europe will benefit...this fund is out of favor right now
VWO = Vanguard Emerging ETF...better choice to VEIEX...no transaction fee with Vanguard Brokerage Acct.
WAEMX = Wasatch Emerging Small Cap...nice alpha recently
PRASX = TR Price New Asia...401k offering
Technology:
Smart Phone has opened the door to the smart grid (Electric power(Energy)+ IT)
VOX = Vanguard Telecom
PRMTX = TR Price Media & Telecom...Long term hold...long term leader
PRGTX = TR Price Gloal Tech
MATFX = Matthews Asian Tech
Energy: (its impact on inflation/recession is a concern)
Alternate Energy has a opportunity to be a opportunity area such as;
(Lithium Ion Tech)
1. Power Storage for Vehicles = Electric Storage, Vehicles, Electric Producers
2. Power Storage for the Grid
(NG Fueling stations)
1. Fleet Vehicles (Trucks, Buses, etc.)
I own:
VDE= Vanguard Energy ETF...VGENX replacement
GASFX = FBR Gas Utility...Dividend paying distribution & Infrastructure Companies
Industrials: (I need suggestions here)
VIS = Vanguard Industrials ETF
Health care:
PRHSX = TR Price Health Sciences
VHT = Vanguard Health Care...ETF replacement for VGHCX
FPHAX = (Fidelity Sel Pharm)
BUFTX (Buffalo:Sci & Tech)...nice combination of Tech and healthcare
Income Choices( Not US teasuries but):
High Yield Corporate
Corporate Bonds
Selective Muni Funds
Corporate) Inflation Protection verses TIPs
Emerging Bonds
Countries that seem worth researching:
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Mexico
Brazil
Norway,Germany,UK,France
Russia
Turkey
Japan, Korea, Taiwan
Get paid (dividend) while you wait for these to come into favor:
Homebuilders & (REITS)
Small Banks
Large Banks
Nuclear Power
Any thought appreciated,
bee