RYIPX vs. VFSNX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RYIPX (Royce International Premier Fund) and VFSNX (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, RYIPX returned 4.37%/yr vs 8.19%/yr for VFSNX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RYIPX charges 1.44%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for VFSNX.

Performance

RYIPX vs. VFSNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Royce International Premier Fund (RYIPX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RYIPX achieves a 0.07% return, which is significantly lower than VFSNX's 10.43% return. Over the past 10 years, RYIPX has underperformed VFSNX with an annualized return of 4.37%, while VFSNX has yielded a comparatively higher 8.19% annualized return.

RYIPX

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: -3.28%
• YTD: 0.07%
• 6M: 0.13%
• 1Y: -2.14%
• 3Y*: 0.41%
• 5Y*: -4.31%
• 10Y*: 4.37%

VFSNX

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: -0.55%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 10.96%
• 1Y: 26.42%
• 3Y*: 15.62%
• 5Y*: 6.40%
• 10Y*: 8.19%

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

RYIPX vs. VFSNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RYIPX Royce International Premier Fund	0.07%	9.37%	-7.37%	7.68%	-27.27%	5.77%	15.74%	34.22%	-12.76%	39.80%
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	10.43%	29.97%	2.63%	15.18%	-21.26%	12.74%	11.92%	21.72%	-18.46%	30.30%

Correlation

The correlation between RYIPX and VFSNX is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2011	0.86

The correlation between RYIPX and VFSNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RYIPX vs. VFSNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RYIPX

RYIPX Risk / Return Rank: 2
RYIPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
RYIPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
RYIPX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
RYIPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
RYIPX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

VFSNX

VFSNX Risk / Return Rank: 42
VFSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VFSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VFSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VFSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VFSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

RYIPX vs. VFSNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Royce International Premier Fund (RYIPX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX). 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.

	RYIPX	VFSNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.20	1.82	-2.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.19	2.51	-2.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.33	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.16	2.22	-2.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.39	8.30	-8.68

RYIPX vs. VFSNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RYIPX Sharpe Ratio is -0.20, which is lower than the VFSNX Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RYIPX and VFSNX, 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

RYIPX vs. VFSNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RYIPX drawdown since its inception was -42.14%, roughly equal to the maximum VFSNX drawdown of -43.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RYIPX and VFSNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RYIPX	VFSNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.14%	-43.65%	+1.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.68%	-11.47%	-5.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.41%	-14.70%	-2.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.14%	-33.75%	-8.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.14%	-43.65%	+1.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.53%	-2.27%	-25.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.40%	-9.47%	-2.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.01%	3.07%	+3.94%

Volatility

RYIPX vs. VFSNX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Royce International Premier Fund (RYIPX) is 4.18%, while Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) has a volatility of 5.45%. This indicates that RYIPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFSNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RYIPX	VFSNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.18%	5.45%	-1.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.18%	12.10%	-0.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.29%	14.04%	-0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.49%	15.15%	+0.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.23%	15.79%	-0.56%

RYIPX vs. VFSNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RYIPX has a 1.44% expense ratio, which is higher than VFSNX's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

RYIPX vs. VFSNX - Dividend Comparison

RYIPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.79%, less than VFSNX's 3.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RYIPX Royce International Premier Fund	0.79%	0.79%	4.10%	2.18%	3.18%	4.51%	0.00%	0.20%	0.00%	0.71%	2.40%	2.61%
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.14%	3.36%	3.41%	3.11%	2.26%	2.70%	1.90%	3.25%	2.81%	2.85%	2.93%	2.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RYIPX and VFSNX in my portfolio?

RYIPX and VFSNX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RYIPX or VFSNX?

VFSNX has higher volatility (5.45%) compared to RYIPX (4.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RYIPX dropped -42.14% vs VFSNX's -43.65%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs -0.20), 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.