TBWIX vs. TVAFX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

TBWIX (Thornburg Better World International Fund) and TVAFX (Thornburg Small/Mid Cap Core Fund) are both mutual funds - TBWIX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Thornburg, while TVAFX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Thornburg. Over the past 10 years, TBWIX returned 10.84%/yr vs 8.91%/yr for TVAFX. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TBWIX charges 1.21%/yr vs 1.31%/yr for TVAFX.

Performance

TBWIX vs. TVAFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Thornburg Better World International Fund (TBWIX) and Thornburg Small/Mid Cap Core Fund (TVAFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TBWIX achieves a 1.69% return, which is significantly lower than TVAFX's 8.67% return. Over the past 10 years, TBWIX has outperformed TVAFX with an annualized return of 10.84%, while TVAFX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.91% annualized return.

TBWIX

• 1D: -1.17%
• 1M: -1.25%
• YTD: 1.69%
• 6M: 1.28%
• 1Y: 10.74%
• 3Y*: 11.29%
• 5Y*: 4.00%
• 10Y*: 10.84%

TVAFX

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: -0.95%
• YTD: 8.67%
• 6M: 6.41%
• 1Y: 11.03%
• 3Y*: 12.92%
• 5Y*: 3.47%
• 10Y*: 8.91%

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

TBWIX vs. TVAFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TBWIX Thornburg Better World International Fund	1.69%	24.25%	7.10%	12.72%	-18.02%	20.88%	26.67%	24.57%	-13.61%	22.88%
TVAFX Thornburg Small/Mid Cap Core Fund	8.67%	-0.93%	19.41%	13.14%	-19.55%	13.45%	11.84%	28.88%	-9.70%	23.33%

Correlation

The correlation between TBWIX and TVAFX is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.64

The correlation between TBWIX and TVAFX shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (1 year) to 0.64 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

TBWIX vs. TVAFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TBWIX

TBWIX Risk / Return Rank: 14
TBWIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
TBWIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
TBWIX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
TBWIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
TBWIX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

TVAFX

TVAFX Risk / Return Rank: 13
TVAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
TVAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
TVAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
TVAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
TVAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

TBWIX vs. TVAFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Thornburg Better World International Fund (TBWIX) and Thornburg Small/Mid Cap Core Fund (TVAFX). 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.

	TBWIX	TVAFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.95	0.74	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.41	1.15	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.14	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.04	1.27	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.45	3.83	-0.38

TBWIX vs. TVAFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TBWIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.95, which is comparable to the TVAFX Sharpe Ratio of 0.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TBWIX and TVAFX, 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

TBWIX vs. TVAFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TBWIX drawdown since its inception was -40.11%, smaller than the maximum TVAFX drawdown of -59.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TBWIX and TVAFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TBWIX	TVAFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.11%	-59.41%	+19.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.01%	-9.42%	-2.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.49%	-28.38%	+15.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.11%	-46.05%	+5.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.11%	-46.05%	+5.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.99%	-16.26%	+11.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.19%	-13.67%	+3.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.61%	3.12%	+0.49%

Volatility

TBWIX vs. TVAFX - Volatility Comparison

Thornburg Better World International Fund (TBWIX) and Thornburg Small/Mid Cap Core Fund (TVAFX) have volatilities of 3.62% and 3.70%, 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

	TBWIX	TVAFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.62%	3.70%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.58%	11.86%	-1.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.12%	16.13%	-3.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.31%	28.94%	-11.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.80%	24.64%	-7.84%

TBWIX vs. TVAFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TBWIX has a 1.21% expense ratio, which is lower than TVAFX's 1.31% expense ratio.

Dividends

TBWIX vs. TVAFX - Dividend Comparison

TBWIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%, while TVAFX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
TBWIX Thornburg Better World International Fund	1.50%	1.53%	1.40%	1.55%	0.87%	15.10%	0.40%	1.17%	10.14%	3.53%	5.99%
TVAFX Thornburg Small/Mid Cap Core Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.05%	36.39%	0.00%	0.35%	0.47%	0.53%	0.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TBWIX and TVAFX in my portfolio?

TBWIX and TVAFX have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TBWIX or TVAFX?

TVAFX has higher volatility (3.70%) compared to TBWIX (3.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TBWIX dropped -40.11% vs TVAFX's -59.41%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TBWIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.95 vs 0.74), 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.