USIFX vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

USIFX (USAA International Fund) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, USIFX returned 9.94%/yr vs 11.06%/yr for VEA. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USIFX charges 1.02%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

USIFX vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in USAA International Fund (USIFX) 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, USIFX achieves a 12.86% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 16.69% return. Over the past 10 years, USIFX has underperformed VEA with an annualized return of 9.94%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively higher 11.06% annualized return.

USIFX

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 2.07%
• YTD: 12.86%
• 6M: 13.23%
• 1Y: 28.55%
• 3Y*: 18.50%
• 5Y*: 9.99%
• 10Y*: 9.94%

VEA

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 3.28%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 6M: 17.33%
• 1Y: 35.42%
• 3Y*: 20.72%
• 5Y*: 10.37%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

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

USIFX vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USIFX USAA International Fund	12.86%	33.11%	4.75%	17.47%	-15.92%	14.83%	3.26%	22.76%	-14.15%	28.14%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.69%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between USIFX and VEA is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2007	0.94

The correlation between USIFX and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

USIFX vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

USIFX

USIFX Risk / Return Rank: 43
USIFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
USIFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
USIFX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
USIFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
USIFX Martin Ratio Rank: 46

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 67
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

USIFX vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for USAA International Fund (USIFX) 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.

	USIFX	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	2.16	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	2.93	-0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.39	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.36	3.06	-0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.08	11.80	-2.72

USIFX vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USIFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USIFX 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

USIFX vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USIFX drawdown since its inception was -53.23%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USIFX and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	USIFX	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.23%	-60.68%	+7.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.74%	-11.63%	-0.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.61%	-13.45%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.00%	-29.71%	-2.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.76%	-35.73%	-1.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	0.00%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.26%	-13.26%	+4.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	3.01%	+0.03%

Volatility

USIFX vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for USAA International Fund (USIFX) is 5.33%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that USIFX 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

	USIFX	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.33%	6.32%	-0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.21%	14.39%	-1.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.52%	16.52%	-1.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.97%	16.71%	+0.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.95%	17.38%	-0.43%

USIFX vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

USIFX has a 1.02% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

USIFX vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

USIFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.78%, more than VEA's 2.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USIFX USAA International Fund	10.78%	12.16%	5.44%	1.87%	2.94%	8.74%	1.91%	25.11%	8.50%	3.07%	1.55%	5.64%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.50%	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 USIFX and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, USIFX 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, USIFX or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to USIFX (5.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USIFX dropped -53.23% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.78), 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.