TTAI vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

TTAI (TrimTabs International Free Cash Flow Quality ETF of Benef Interest) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. TTAI is actively managed, while VEA is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, TTAI returned 1.76%/yr vs 9.65%/yr for VEA. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TTAI charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

TTAI vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TrimTabs International Free Cash Flow Quality ETF of Benef Interest (TTAI) 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, TTAI achieves a 3.82% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 15.19% return.

TTAI

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 1.51%
• YTD: 3.82%
• 6M: 3.76%
• 1Y: 8.28%
• 3Y*: 9.76%
• 5Y*: 1.76%
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 4.15%
• YTD: 15.19%
• 6M: 18.13%
• 1Y: 32.11%
• 3Y*: 20.11%
• 5Y*: 9.65%
• 10Y*: 10.13%

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

TTAI vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TTAI TrimTabs International Free Cash Flow Quality ETF of Benef Interest	3.82%	13.27%	0.39%	18.22%	-24.37%	16.87%	18.30%	24.52%	-17.73%	7.27%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	15.19%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	9.18%

Correlation

The correlation between TTAI and VEA is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2017	0.85

The correlation between TTAI and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

TTAI vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TTAI	VEA
Technology	34.4%	13.8%
Consumer Cyclical	15.2%	7.5%
Healthcare	14.8%	8.2%
Industrials	11.1%	19.2%
Consumer Defensive	7.2%	5.6%
Financial Services	6.2%	23.3%
Communication Services	5.8%	3.4%
Basic Materials	2.4%	7.5%
Energy	1.9%	5.4%
Utilities	1.2%	3.3%
Real Estate	-	2.7%

Return for Risk

TTAI vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

TTAI

TTAI Risk / Return Rank: 18
TTAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
TTAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
TTAI Omega Ratio Rank: 17
TTAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
TTAI Martin Ratio Rank: 20

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 61
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

TTAI vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TrimTabs International Free Cash Flow Quality ETF of Benef Interest (TTAI) 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.

	TTAI	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.49	2.06	-1.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.82	2.84	-2.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.37	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	2.77	-2.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.27	10.82	-8.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TTAI vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TTAI Sharpe Ratio is 0.49, which is lower than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TTAI 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TTAI	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49	2.06	-1.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.10	0.59	-0.48
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	0.25	+0.04

Drawdowns

TTAI vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TTAI drawdown since its inception was -34.17%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TTAI and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	TTAI	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.17%	-60.68%	+26.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.00%	-11.63%	-1.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.34%	-13.45%	-7.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.13%	-29.71%	-4.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.51%	-0.66%	-0.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.20%	-13.29%	+4.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.66%	2.98%	+0.68%

Volatility

TTAI vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

TrimTabs International Free Cash Flow Quality ETF of Benef Interest (TTAI) has a higher volatility of 5.92% compared to Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) at 5.49%. This indicates that TTAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TTAI	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.92%	5.49%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.17%	13.32%	+0.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.02%	15.64%	+1.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.92%	16.54%	+0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.89%	17.35%	+1.54%

TTAI vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

TTAI has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

TTAI vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

TTAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.45%, less than VEA's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TTAI TrimTabs International Free Cash Flow Quality ETF of Benef Interest	2.45%	2.30%	2.13%	2.39%	9.36%	2.01%	0.64%	1.90%	0.92%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.61%	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 TTAI and VEA in my portfolio?

TTAI and VEA have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TTAI or VEA?

TTAI has higher volatility (5.92%) compared to VEA (5.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TTAI dropped -34.17% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, TTAI or VEA?

On 5-year performance, VEA leads with 9.65% vs 1.76% for TTAI. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 5.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TTAI or VEA?

Over the 5-year period, VEA has performed better with a 9.65% return vs 1.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TTAI or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for TTAI.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 2.45% for TTAI.

What is the main difference between TTAI and VEA?

They also come from different issuers: TrimTabs and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for TTAI and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 0.49), 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.