NWLSX vs. VTTHX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

NWLSX (Nationwide Destination 2035 Fund) and VTTHX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund) are both Target Retirement Date funds. Over the past 10 years, NWLSX returned 8.44%/yr vs 9.78%/yr for VTTHX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NWLSX charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VTTHX.

Performance

NWLSX vs. VTTHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nationwide Destination 2035 Fund (NWLSX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NWLSX achieves a 8.28% return, which is significantly lower than VTTHX's 9.13% return. Over the past 10 years, NWLSX has underperformed VTTHX with an annualized return of 8.44%, while VTTHX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.78% annualized return.

NWLSX

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 3.24%
• YTD: 8.28%
• 6M: 9.28%
• 1Y: 20.57%
• 3Y*: 14.75%
• 5Y*: 6.81%
• 10Y*: 8.44%

VTTHX

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 4.00%
• YTD: 9.13%
• 6M: 9.79%
• 1Y: 21.88%
• 3Y*: 15.88%
• 5Y*: 7.97%
• 10Y*: 9.78%

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

NWLSX vs. VTTHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NWLSX Nationwide Destination 2035 Fund	8.28%	16.16%	10.17%	17.00%	-17.70%	13.33%	12.81%	18.63%	-8.01%	15.06%
VTTHX Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund	9.13%	17.55%	11.56%	17.37%	-16.64%	12.96%	14.80%	22.44%	-6.57%	16.81%

Correlation

The correlation between NWLSX and VTTHX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 31, 2007	0.98

The correlation between NWLSX and VTTHX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NWLSX vs. VTTHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NWLSX

NWLSX Risk / Return Rank: 66
NWLSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
NWLSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
NWLSX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
NWLSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
NWLSX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

VTTHX

VTTHX Risk / Return Rank: 70
VTTHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VTTHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
VTTHX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VTTHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VTTHX 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.

NWLSX vs. VTTHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nationwide Destination 2035 Fund (NWLSX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX). 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.

	NWLSX	VTTHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	2.49	-0.12
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.43	3.52	-0.10
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.47	-0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.05	3.09	-0.05
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.63	13.62	+0.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NWLSX vs. VTTHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NWLSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is comparable to the VTTHX Sharpe Ratio of 2.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NWLSX and VTTHX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NWLSX	VTTHX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.38	2.49	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.70	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62	0.79	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.54	-0.15

Drawdowns

NWLSX vs. VTTHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NWLSX drawdown since its inception was -52.58%, roughly equal to the maximum VTTHX drawdown of -51.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NWLSX and VTTHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NWLSX	VTTHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.58%	-51.76%	-0.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.88%	-7.17%	+0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.73%	-10.87%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.54%	-23.53%	-6.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.59%	-27.15%	-3.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.58%	-6.09%	-2.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.54%	1.62%	-0.08%

Volatility

NWLSX vs. VTTHX - Volatility Comparison

Nationwide Destination 2035 Fund (NWLSX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX) have volatilities of 2.77% and 2.79%, 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

	NWLSX	VTTHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.77%	2.79%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.13%	7.17%	-0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.81%	8.89%	-0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.95%	11.38%	+1.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.71%	12.46%	+1.25%

NWLSX vs. VTTHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NWLSX has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VTTHX's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

NWLSX vs. VTTHX - Dividend Comparison

NWLSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.82%, more than VTTHX's 2.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NWLSX Nationwide Destination 2035 Fund	7.82%	8.36%	14.07%	7.04%	2.15%	9.62%	5.85%	6.95%	11.27%	7.78%	6.64%	5.43%
VTTHX Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund	2.71%	2.96%	3.12%	2.47%	2.71%	19.52%	2.50%	2.33%	2.69%	0.16%	2.77%	4.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NWLSX and VTTHX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, NWLSX and VTTHX 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, NWLSX or VTTHX?

VTTHX has higher volatility (2.79%) compared to NWLSX (2.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NWLSX dropped -52.58% vs VTTHX's -51.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTTHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 2.38), 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.