TXUE vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

TXUE (Thornburg International Equity ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. TXUE is actively managed, while VEA is passively managed. Over the past year, TXUE returned 20.99% vs 32.11% for VEA. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TXUE charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

TXUE vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Thornburg International Equity ETF (TXUE) 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, TXUE achieves a 11.09% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 15.19% return.

TXUE

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 2.88%
• YTD: 11.09%
• 6M: 12.91%
• 1Y: 20.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

TXUE vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TXUE Thornburg International Equity ETF	11.09%	25.67%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	15.19%	30.84%

Correlation

The correlation between TXUE and VEA is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2025	0.91

The correlation between TXUE and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TXUE vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

TXUE

TXUE Risk / Return Rank: 43
TXUE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
TXUE Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
TXUE Omega Ratio Rank: 43
TXUE Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
TXUE Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

TXUE vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Thornburg International Equity ETF (TXUE) 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.

	TXUE	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	2.06	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	2.84	-0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.37	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	2.77	-0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.03	10.82	-3.78
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TXUE vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TXUE Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TXUE 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

	TXUE	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.52	2.06	-0.55
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.69	0.25	+1.44

Drawdowns

TXUE vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TXUE drawdown since its inception was -12.97%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TXUE and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	TXUE	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.97%	-60.68%	+47.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.14%	-11.63%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.45%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	-0.66%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.83%	-13.29%	+11.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	2.98%	+0.01%

Volatility

TXUE vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Thornburg International Equity ETF (TXUE) is 4.32%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 5.49%. This indicates that TXUE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TXUE	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.32%	5.49%	-1.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.48%	13.32%	-1.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.91%	15.64%	-1.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.51%	16.54%	-0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.51%	17.35%	-0.84%

TXUE vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

TXUE has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

TXUE vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

TXUE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%, less than VEA's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TXUE Thornburg International Equity ETF	0.97%	1.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 TXUE and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, TXUE and VEA 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, TXUE or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (5.49%) compared to TXUE (4.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TXUE dropped -12.97% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, TXUE or VEA?

On 1-year performance, VEA leads with 32.11% vs 20.99% for TXUE. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, TXUE has been the lower-risk option at 4.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TXUE or VEA?

Over the 1-year period, VEA has performed better with a 32.11% return vs 20.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TXUE or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for TXUE.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 0.97% for TXUE.

What is the main difference between TXUE and VEA?

They also come from different issuers: Thornburg and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for TXUE and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 1.52), 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.