VCTFX vs. DEMIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VCTFX (Delaware Tax-Free Colorado Fund) and DEMIX (Delaware Emerging Markets Fund) are both mutual funds - VCTFX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Delaware Funds, while DEMIX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund managed by Delaware Funds. Over the past 10 years, VCTFX returned 2.57%/yr vs 22.98%/yr for DEMIX. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. VCTFX charges 0.82%/yr vs 1.26%/yr for DEMIX.

Performance

VCTFX vs. DEMIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Delaware Tax-Free Colorado Fund (VCTFX) and Delaware Emerging Markets Fund (DEMIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCTFX achieves a 2.92% return, which is significantly lower than DEMIX's 134.87% return. Over the past 10 years, VCTFX has underperformed DEMIX with an annualized return of 2.57%, while DEMIX has yielded a comparatively higher 22.98% annualized return.

VCTFX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 2.28%
• YTD: 2.92%
• 6M: 3.24%
• 1Y: 8.55%
• 3Y*: 4.85%
• 5Y*: 1.30%
• 10Y*: 2.57%

DEMIX

• 1D: 8.22%
• 1M: 23.69%
• YTD: 134.87%
• 6M: 151.89%
• 1Y: 254.88%
• 3Y*: 69.53%
• 5Y*: 29.39%
• 10Y*: 22.98%

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

VCTFX vs. DEMIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCTFX Delaware Tax-Free Colorado Fund	2.92%	3.81%	4.13%	7.26%	-11.65%	3.27%	5.29%	7.98%	0.85%	6.52%
DEMIX Delaware Emerging Markets Fund	134.87%	86.79%	6.52%	17.59%	-28.66%	-2.08%	26.09%	24.33%	-17.10%	41.98%

Correlation

The correlation between VCTFX and DEMIX is 0.14, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.14
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.09
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.10
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 10, 1996	-0.07

The correlation between VCTFX and DEMIX shifts across timeframes, from -0.07 (all time) to 0.14 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VCTFX vs. DEMIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCTFX

VCTFX Risk / Return Rank: 76
VCTFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VCTFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
VCTFX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
VCTFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VCTFX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

DEMIX

DEMIX Risk / Return Rank: 98
DEMIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
DEMIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
DEMIX Omega Ratio Rank: 96
DEMIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
DEMIX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

VCTFX vs. DEMIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Delaware Tax-Free Colorado Fund (VCTFX) and Delaware Emerging Markets Fund (DEMIX). 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.

	VCTFX	DEMIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.61	5.80	-3.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.14	4.77	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.62	1.79	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.82	12.45	-9.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.04	45.44	-35.41

VCTFX vs. DEMIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCTFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.61, which is lower than the DEMIX Sharpe Ratio of 5.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCTFX and DEMIX, 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

VCTFX vs. DEMIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCTFX drawdown since its inception was -15.98%, smaller than the maximum DEMIX drawdown of -63.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCTFX and DEMIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCTFX	DEMIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.98%	-63.15%	+47.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.06%	-21.01%	+17.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.28%	-22.62%	+14.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.98%	-42.96%	+26.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-15.98%	-46.29%	+30.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.96%	-18.43%	+16.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.86%	5.74%	-4.88%

Volatility

VCTFX vs. DEMIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Delaware Tax-Free Colorado Fund (VCTFX) is 0.89%, while Delaware Emerging Markets Fund (DEMIX) has a volatility of 25.54%. This indicates that VCTFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DEMIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCTFX	DEMIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.89%	25.54%	-24.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.44%	41.20%	-38.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.30%	45.11%	-41.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.99%	27.50%	-22.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.53%	24.32%	-19.79%

VCTFX vs. DEMIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCTFX has a 0.82% expense ratio, which is lower than DEMIX's 1.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCTFX vs. DEMIX - Dividend Comparison

VCTFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.60%, less than DEMIX's 8.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DEMIX Delaware Emerging Markets Fund	8.08%	18.97%	1.99%	2.95%	1.89%	3.42%	0.87%	0.80%	0.65%	1.80%	0.94%	0.30%
VCTFX Delaware Tax-Free Colorado Fund	3.60%	4.75%	4.05%	3.08%	3.19%	2.43%	3.15%	4.13%	3.65%	4.31%	3.62%	3.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCTFX and DEMIX in my portfolio?

VCTFX and DEMIX have a correlation of 0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VCTFX or DEMIX?

DEMIX has higher volatility (25.54%) compared to VCTFX (0.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCTFX dropped -15.98% vs DEMIX's -63.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DEMIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.80 vs 2.61), 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.