In filings dated Sept. 30, 2020, Vanguard announced that bond portfolio manager Michael E. Stack will retire in June 2021 from Wellington Management Company LLP, the subadvisor for Vanguard Wellington Admiral, which has a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Gold, Gold-rated Vanguard Wellesley Income Admiral, and Silver-rated Vanguard Global Wellington Admiral. All three funds share the same bond investment team but have different equity managers. Vanguard has thoughtfully planned for recent manager retirements, including bond manager John Keogh in 2019 and Vanguard Wellington equity manager Edward Bousa in 2020. Stack’s retirement is following a similar protocol, and the announcement is not a surprise, as he is in his 60s. Historically, these Vanguard funds have had one lead equity manager and one lead bond manager. About two years prior to a manager’s planned retirement, Vanguard will add an additional manager to allow for a smooth transition. Michael Stack and Loren Moran together became named managers in 2017 ahead of Keogh’s 2019 retirement. All three funds are in good hands with Moran, who has a seasoned second-in-command in Graham Forum. They also have the support of Wellington’s well-regarded fixed-income research team. We are maintaining our Above Average People rating for all three funds, as well as their current Morningstar Analyst Ratings.
Vanguard Wellington™ Inv VWELX
Morningstar’s Analysis
The Morningstar Analysis section contains a thorough evaluation of an investment’s merits and drawbacks and often discusses the most important or decisive factors leading to the fund’s overall rating.
The Morningstar Analysis section contains a thorough evaluation of an investment’s merits and drawbacks and often discusses the most important or decisive factors leading to the fund’s overall rating.
Will VWELX outperform in future?
Get our overall rating based on a fundamental assessment of the pillars below.
Process Pillar
The Process Pillar is our assessment of how sensible, clearly defined, and repeatable VWELX’s performance objective and investment process is for both security selection and portfolio construction.
People Pillar
The People Pillar is our evaluation of the VWELX management team’s experience and ability. We find that high-quality management teams deliver superior performance relative to their benchmarks and/or peers.
Parent Pillar
The Parent Pillar is our rating of VWELX’s parent organization’s priorities and whether they’re in line with investors’ interests.
Vanguard Allocation Funds To See Bond Manager Retire in June 2021
