VIAAX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VIAAX (Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VIAAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, VIAAX returned 7.89%/yr vs 15.63%/yr for VFIAX. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VIAAX charges 0.16%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

VIAAX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIAAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIAAX achieves a 3.86% return, which is significantly lower than VFIAX's 11.69% return. Over the past 10 years, VIAAX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 7.89%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.63% annualized return.

VIAAX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 2.87%
• YTD: 3.86%
• 6M: 5.05%
• 1Y: 7.28%
• 3Y*: 10.13%
• 5Y*: 4.75%
• 10Y*: 7.89%

VFIAX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 5.80%
• YTD: 11.69%
• 6M: 11.73%
• 1Y: 28.95%
• 3Y*: 22.72%
• 5Y*: 14.24%
• 10Y*: 15.63%

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

VIAAX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIAAX Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.86%	16.83%	2.60%	16.07%	-16.66%	12.36%	15.10%	26.99%	-11.32%	27.83%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	11.69%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VIAAX and VFIAX is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2016	0.75

The correlation between VIAAX and VFIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

VIAAX vs. VFIAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIAAX	VFIAX
Financial Services	29.0%	11.6%
Industrials	17.1%	8.3%
Healthcare	14.6%	8.5%
Technology	11.5%	35.7%
Consumer Defensive	9.7%	4.9%
Utilities	4.8%	2.4%
Basic Materials	4.1%	1.8%
Consumer Cyclical	3.1%	10.2%
Energy	2.8%	3.5%
Communication Services	1.3%	11.3%
Real Estate	1.3%	1.9%

Return for Risk

VIAAX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIAAX

VIAAX Risk / Return Rank: 6
VIAAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
VIAAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
VIAAX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
VIAAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
VIAAX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 73
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

VIAAX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIAAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	VIAAX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.48	2.52	-2.03
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.76	3.42	-2.66
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.46	-0.37
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.60	3.35	-2.75
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	2.09	15.66	-13.58
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VIAAX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIAAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.48, which is lower than the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIAAX and VFIAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VIAAX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48	2.52	-2.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34	0.85	-0.51
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	0.87	-0.35
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.47	+0.09

Drawdowns

VIAAX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIAAX drawdown since its inception was -30.78%, smaller than the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIAAX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIAAX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.78%	-55.20%	+24.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.52%	-8.90%	-1.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.38%	-18.75%	+4.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.59%	-24.53%	-4.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.78%	-33.83%	+3.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.57%	0.00%	-1.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.14%	-9.40%	+3.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	1.90%	+1.14%

Volatility

VIAAX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIAAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) have volatilities of 2.77% and 2.82%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIAAX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.77%	2.82%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.99%	8.98%	+1.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.15%	11.86%	+1.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.06%	16.90%	-2.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.18%	18.07%	-2.89%

VIAAX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIAAX has a 0.16% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX'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

VIAAX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

VIAAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.06%, more than VFIAX's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.01%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
VIAAX Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.06%	2.09%	1.92%	1.92%	2.05%	7.01%	1.28%	1.83%	1.99%	1.69%	0.68%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIAAX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

VIAAX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIAAX or VFIAX?

VFIAX has higher volatility (2.82%) compared to VIAAX (2.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIAAX dropped -30.78% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 0.48), 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.