VFSNX vs. VTSAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VFSNX (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VTSAX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VFSNX is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VTSAX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VFSNX returned 8.19%/yr vs 15.06%/yr for VTSAX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFSNX charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VTSAX.

Performance

VFSNX vs. VTSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VFSNX having a 10.43% return and VTSAX slightly higher at 10.72%. Over the past 10 years, VFSNX has underperformed VTSAX with an annualized return of 8.19%, while VTSAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.06% annualized return.

VFSNX

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: -0.55%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 10.96%
• 1Y: 26.42%
• 3Y*: 15.62%
• 5Y*: 6.40%
• 10Y*: 8.19%

VTSAX

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 10.72%
• 6M: 9.93%
• 1Y: 27.56%
• 3Y*: 20.66%
• 5Y*: 12.87%
• 10Y*: 15.06%

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

VFSNX vs. VTSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	10.43%	29.97%	2.63%	15.18%	-21.26%	12.74%	11.92%	21.72%	-18.46%	30.30%
VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.72%	17.12%	23.23%	26.51%	-19.52%	25.72%	20.98%	30.79%	-5.18%	21.16%

Correlation

The correlation between VFSNX and VTSAX is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 20, 2009	0.78

The correlation between VFSNX and VTSAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VFSNX vs. VTSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFSNX

VFSNX Risk / Return Rank: 42
VFSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VFSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VFSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VFSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VFSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

VTSAX

VTSAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VTSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VTSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VTSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VTSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VTSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

VFSNX vs. VTSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX). 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.

	VFSNX	VTSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.14	-0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.90	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.38	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	3.07	-0.85
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.30	13.77	-5.48

VFSNX vs. VTSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFSNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the VTSAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFSNX and VTSAX, 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

VFSNX vs. VTSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFSNX drawdown since its inception was -43.65%, smaller than the maximum VTSAX drawdown of -55.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFSNX and VTSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFSNX	VTSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.65%	-55.33%	+11.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.47%	-8.92%	-2.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.70%	-19.36%	+4.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.75%	-25.36%	-8.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.65%	-34.97%	-8.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.27%	-1.13%	-1.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.47%	-8.99%	-0.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	1.99%	+1.08%

Volatility

VFSNX vs. VTSAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFSNX) has a higher volatility of 5.45% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) at 4.88%. This indicates that VFSNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTSAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFSNX	VTSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.45%	4.88%	+0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.10%	10.11%	+1.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.04%	12.80%	+1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.15%	17.45%	-2.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.79%	18.45%	-2.66%

VFSNX vs. VTSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFSNX has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is higher than VTSAX's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VFSNX vs. VTSAX - Dividend Comparison

VFSNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.14%, more than VTSAX's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFSNX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.14%	3.36%	3.41%	3.11%	2.26%	2.70%	1.90%	3.25%	2.81%	2.85%	2.93%	2.69%
VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.01%	1.11%	1.26%	1.42%	1.65%	1.20%	1.41%	1.76%	2.03%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFSNX and VTSAX in my portfolio?

VFSNX and VTSAX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFSNX or VTSAX?

VFSNX has higher volatility (5.45%) compared to VTSAX (4.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFSNX dropped -43.65% vs VTSAX's -55.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.82), 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.