TGVAX vs. VTWO

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

TGVAX (Thornburg International Equity Fund) and VTWO (Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF) are both funds - TGVAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Thornburg, while VTWO is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Over the past 10 years, TGVAX returned 11.00%/yr vs 11.78%/yr for VTWO. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TGVAX charges 1.25%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VTWO.

Performance

TGVAX vs. VTWO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Thornburg International Equity Fund (TGVAX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TGVAX achieves a 8.90% return, which is significantly lower than VTWO's 21.09% return. Over the past 10 years, TGVAX has underperformed VTWO with an annualized return of 11.00%, while VTWO has yielded a comparatively higher 11.78% annualized return.

TGVAX

• 1D: -1.46%
• 1M: -1.01%
• YTD: 8.90%
• 6M: 8.90%
• 1Y: 21.92%
• 3Y*: 19.68%
• 5Y*: 8.79%
• 10Y*: 11.00%

VTWO

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 4.33%
• YTD: 21.09%
• 6M: 17.98%
• 1Y: 40.11%
• 3Y*: 19.67%
• 5Y*: 6.54%
• 10Y*: 11.78%

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

TGVAX vs. VTWO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TGVAX Thornburg International Equity Fund	8.90%	33.81%	11.24%	15.77%	-17.04%	7.25%	22.59%	28.67%	-20.08%	25.03%
VTWO Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF	21.09%	12.90%	11.55%	17.08%	-20.49%	14.79%	20.22%	25.81%	-11.15%	14.69%

Correlation

The correlation between TGVAX and VTWO is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.60

The correlation between TGVAX and VTWO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TGVAX vs. VTWO — Risk / Return Rank

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

TGVAX

TGVAX Risk / Return Rank: 45
TGVAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
TGVAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
TGVAX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
TGVAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
TGVAX Martin Ratio Rank: 40

VTWO

VTWO Risk / Return Rank: 71
VTWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VTWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VTWO Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VTWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VTWO Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

TGVAX vs. VTWO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Thornburg International Equity Fund (TGVAX) and Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO). 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.

	TGVAX	VTWO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	2.05	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	2.83	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.34	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.27	3.67	-1.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.95	13.00	-5.05

TGVAX vs. VTWO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TGVAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is comparable to the VTWO Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TGVAX and VTWO, 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

TGVAX vs. VTWO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TGVAX drawdown since its inception was -56.44%, which is greater than VTWO's maximum drawdown of -41.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TGVAX and VTWO.

Drawdown Indicators

	TGVAX	VTWO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.44%	-41.19%	-15.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.34%	-10.99%	+0.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.00%	-27.57%	+15.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.96%	-31.88%	-8.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.96%	-41.19%	+1.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.93%	-0.48%	-2.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.44%	-8.36%	-4.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	3.10%	-0.15%

Volatility

TGVAX vs. VTWO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Thornburg International Equity Fund (TGVAX) is 3.95%, while Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) has a volatility of 6.53%. This indicates that TGVAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTWO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TGVAX	VTWO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	6.53%	-2.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.50%	14.27%	-3.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.71%	19.65%	-6.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.69%	22.56%	-5.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.55%	23.11%	-6.56%

TGVAX vs. VTWO - Expense Ratio Comparison

TGVAX has a 1.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VTWO's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

TGVAX vs. VTWO - Dividend Comparison

TGVAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.25%, more than VTWO's 1.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TGVAX Thornburg International Equity Fund	3.25%	3.54%	6.90%	2.23%	1.69%	14.24%	2.98%	6.60%	1.45%	17.24%	1.67%	18.63%
VTWO Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF	1.09%	1.25%	1.21%	1.45%	1.48%	1.13%	0.92%	1.36%	1.41%	1.18%	1.27%	1.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TGVAX and VTWO in my portfolio?

TGVAX and VTWO have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TGVAX or VTWO?

VTWO has higher volatility (6.53%) compared to TGVAX (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TGVAX dropped -56.44% vs VTWO's -41.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTWO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.85), 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.