INTL vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

INTL (Main International ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. INTL is actively managed, while VEA is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, INTL returned 16.45%/yr vs 19.91%/yr for VEA. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. INTL charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

INTL vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Main International ETF (INTL) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, INTL achieves a 9.95% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 14.71% return.

INTL

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: -1.61%
• YTD: 9.95%
• 6M: 10.07%
• 1Y: 23.96%
• 3Y*: 16.45%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: 1.25%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 14.71%
• 6M: 14.32%
• 1Y: 31.05%
• 3Y*: 19.91%
• 5Y*: 9.74%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

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

INTL vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
INTL Main International ETF	9.95%	29.55%	2.00%	18.20%	-1.69%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.71%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-3.01%

Correlation

The correlation between INTL and VEA is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2022	0.93

The correlation between INTL and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

INTL vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	INTL	VEA
Financial Services	23.4%	22.3%
Technology	17.6%	16.6%
Industrials	14.7%	17.5%
Basic Materials	9.9%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	7.4%
Healthcare	6.2%	7.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.4%	5.5%
Energy	5.4%	4.7%
Communication Services	4.6%	3.2%
Utilities	3.0%	3.0%
Real Estate	2.1%	2.5%

Return for Risk

INTL vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

INTL

INTL Risk / Return Rank: 49
INTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
INTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
INTL Omega Ratio Rank: 50
INTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
INTL Martin Ratio Rank: 53

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 65
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

INTL vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Main International ETF (INTL) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	INTL	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	1.86	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	2.53	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.34	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	2.68	-0.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.09	10.30	-2.21

INTL vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current INTL Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of INTL and VEA, 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

INTL vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum INTL drawdown since its inception was -14.48%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for INTL and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	INTL	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.48%	-60.68%	+46.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.51%	-11.63%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.48%	-13.45%	-1.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.39%	-1.70%	-0.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-13.25%	+10.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.97%	3.02%	-0.05%

Volatility

INTL vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

Main International ETF (INTL) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) have volatilities of 6.74% and 6.94%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	INTL	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.74%	6.94%	-0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.45%	14.77%	-0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.34%	16.78%	-0.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.74%	16.77%	-1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.74%	17.20%	-1.46%

INTL vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

INTL has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

INTL vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

INTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.40%, more than VEA's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
INTL Main International ETF	3.40%	2.57%	2.71%	2.86%	1.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.55%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both INTL and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, INTL and VEA 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, INTL or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.94%) compared to INTL (6.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, INTL dropped -14.48% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, INTL or VEA?

On 3-year performance, VEA leads with 19.91% vs 16.45% for INTL. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, INTL has been the lower-risk option at 6.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, INTL or VEA?

Over the 3-year period, VEA has performed better with a 19.91% return vs 16.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, INTL or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for INTL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, INTL or VEA?

INTL has the higher dividend yield at 3.40%, compared with 2.55% for VEA.

What is the main difference between INTL and VEA?

They also come from different issuers: Main Funds and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 1.04% for INTL and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.47), 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.