VEA vs. T

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) is Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while T (AT&T Inc.) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, VEA returned 10.72%/yr vs 3.33%/yr for T. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

VEA vs. T - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and AT&T Inc. (T). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEA achieves a 14.73% return, which is significantly higher than T's -2.96% return. Over the past 10 years, VEA has outperformed T with an annualized return of 10.72%, while T has yielded a comparatively lower 3.33% annualized return.

VEA

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 14.73%
• 6M: 16.65%
• 1Y: 29.82%
• 3Y*: 19.03%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

T

• 1D: 2.52%
• 1M: -4.69%
• YTD: -2.96%
• 6M: -1.93%
• 1Y: -12.96%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 7.38%
• 10Y*: 3.33%

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

VEA vs. T - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.73%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%
T AT&T Inc.	-2.96%	13.97%	44.08%	-2.74%	5.76%	-8.09%	-21.37%	45.55%	-22.25%	-4.01%

Correlation

The correlation between VEA and T is -0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.10
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2007	0.44

The correlation between VEA and T shifts across timeframes, from -0.04 (1 year) to 0.44 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VEA vs. T — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 62
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 63

T

T Risk / Return Rank: 18
T Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
T Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
T Omega Ratio Rank: 18
T Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
T Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

VEA vs. T - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and AT&T Inc. (T). 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.

	VEA	T	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	-0.59	+2.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	-0.72	+3.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	0.92	+0.41
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	-0.59	+3.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.92	-1.22	+11.14

VEA vs. T - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEA Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is higher than the T Sharpe Ratio of -0.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEA and T, 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

VEA vs. T - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEA drawdown since its inception was -60.68%, smaller than the maximum T drawdown of -64.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEA and T.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEA	T	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.68%	-64.15%	+3.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-21.87%	+10.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.45%	-21.87%	+8.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-32.01%	+2.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.73%	-42.35%	+6.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-18.12%	+17.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.28%	-15.72%	+2.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	10.64%	-7.62%

Volatility

VEA vs. T - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is 6.84%, while AT&T Inc. (T) has a volatility of 8.21%. This indicates that VEA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than T based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEA	T	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.84%	8.21%	-1.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.38%	17.80%	-3.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.58%	22.13%	-5.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.72%	24.01%	-7.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.40%	23.73%	-6.33%

Dividends

VEA vs. T - Dividend Comparison

VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, less than T's 4.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
T AT&T Inc.	4.71%	4.47%	4.87%	6.62%	6.66%	8.46%	7.23%	5.22%	7.01%	5.04%	4.51%	5.46%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	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 VEA and T in my portfolio?

VEA and T have a correlation of -0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEA or T?

T has higher volatility (8.21%) compared to VEA (6.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEA dropped -60.68% vs T's -64.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs -0.59), 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.