TXUG vs. VEA

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

TXUG (Thornburg International Growth ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. TXUG is actively managed, while VEA is passively managed. Over the past year, TXUG returned 6.24% vs 27.21% for VEA. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TXUG charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

TXUG vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Thornburg International Growth ETF (TXUG) 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, TXUG achieves a 10.56% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 12.88% return.

TXUG

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: -0.12%
• 6M: 5.78%
• YTD: 10.56%
• 1Y: 6.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: -2.66%
• 6M: 8.56%
• YTD: 12.88%
• 1Y: 27.21%
• 3Y*: 17.68%
• 5Y*: 9.88%
• 10Y*: 10.02%

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

TXUG vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TXUG Thornburg International Growth ETF	10.56%	-1.49%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	12.88%	30.84%

Correlation

The correlation between TXUG 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2025	0.86

The correlation between TXUG and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TXUG vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

TXUG

TXUG Risk / Return Rank: 16
TXUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
TXUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
TXUG Omega Ratio Rank: 15
TXUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
TXUG Martin Ratio Rank: 17

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 59
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

TXUG vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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.

	TXUG	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.34	1.61	-1.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.62	2.22	-1.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.29	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.48	2.35	-1.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.33	8.89	-7.55

TXUG vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TXUG Sharpe Ratio is 0.34, which is lower than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TXUG 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.

Drawdowns

TXUG vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TXUG drawdown since its inception was -18.58%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TXUG and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	TXUG	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.58%	-60.68%	+42.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.93%	-11.63%	-1.30%
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	-2.89%	-3.26%	+0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.00%	-13.22%	+9.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.69%	3.07%	+1.62%

Volatility

TXUG vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

Thornburg International Growth ETF (TXUG) has a higher volatility of 5.57% compared to Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) at 5.28%. This indicates that TXUG'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

	TXUG	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.57%	5.28%	+0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.72%	15.12%	+0.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.25%	17.03%	+1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.88%	16.80%	+3.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.88%	17.17%	+2.71%

TXUG vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

TXUG has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

TXUG vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

TXUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, less than VEA's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TXUG Thornburg International Growth ETF	0.46%	0.51%	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	2.59%	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 TXUG and VEA in my portfolio?

TXUG 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, TXUG or VEA?

TXUG has higher volatility (5.57%) compared to VEA (5.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TXUG dropped -18.58% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, TXUG or VEA?

On 1-year performance, VEA leads with 27.21% vs 6.24% for TXUG. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 5.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TXUG or VEA?

Over the 1-year period, VEA has performed better with a 27.21% return vs 6.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TXUG or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for TXUG.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 0.46% for TXUG.

What is the main difference between TXUG and VEA?

They also come from different issuers: Thornburg and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for TXUG and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 vs 0.34), 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.