VIGI vs. VIAAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VIGI (Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF) and VIAAX (Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both funds - VIGI is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P Global Ex-U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while VIAAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VIGI returned 8.32%/yr vs 8.12%/yr for VIAAX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VIGI charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.16%/yr for VIAAX.

Performance

VIGI vs. VIAAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIGI achieves a 3.29% return, which is significantly lower than VIAAX's 3.73% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VIGI having a 8.32% annualized return and VIAAX not far behind at 8.12%.

VIGI

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -0.03%
• YTD: 3.29%
• 6M: 3.27%
• 1Y: 9.11%
• 3Y*: 10.37%
• 5Y*: 4.55%
• 10Y*: 8.32%

VIAAX

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 3.73%
• 6M: 3.71%
• 1Y: 9.53%
• 3Y*: 9.50%
• 5Y*: 4.71%
• 10Y*: 8.12%

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

VIGI vs. VIAAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIGI Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF	3.29%	16.88%	2.73%	16.30%	-16.79%	12.51%	14.66%	27.53%	-11.50%	27.97%
VIAAX Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.73%	16.83%	2.60%	16.07%	-16.66%	12.36%	15.10%	26.99%	-11.32%	27.83%

Correlation

The correlation between VIGI and VIAAX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2016	0.97

The correlation between VIGI and VIAAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

VIGI vs. VIAAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIGI	VIAAX
Financial Services	29.0%	28.2%
Industrials	17.1%	16.6%
Healthcare	14.6%	14.9%
Technology	11.5%	13.8%
Consumer Defensive	9.7%	9.4%
Utilities	4.8%	4.5%
Basic Materials	4.1%	4.0%
Consumer Cyclical	3.1%	3.0%
Energy	2.8%	2.5%
Communication Services	1.3%	1.3%
Real Estate	1.3%	1.1%

Return for Risk

VIGI vs. VIAAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIGI

VIGI Risk / Return Rank: 21
VIGI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VIGI Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
VIGI Omega Ratio Rank: 19
VIGI Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
VIGI Martin Ratio Rank: 24

VIAAX

VIAAX Risk / Return Rank: 9
VIAAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VIAAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
VIAAX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
VIAAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
VIAAX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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.

VIGI vs. VIAAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VIGI	VIAAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.70	0.64	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.07	0.98	+0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.12	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.86	0.80	+0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.03	2.79	+0.24

VIGI vs. VIAAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIGI Sharpe Ratio is 0.70, which is comparable to the VIAAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIGI and VIAAX, 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

VIGI vs. VIAAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIGI drawdown since its inception was -31.01%, roughly equal to the maximum VIAAX drawdown of -30.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIGI and VIAAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIGI	VIAAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.01%	-30.78%	-0.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.64%	-10.52%	-0.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.50%	-14.38%	-0.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.80%	-28.59%	-0.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.01%	-30.78%	-0.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.85%	-1.69%	-0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.16%	-6.12%	-0.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.01%	3.03%	-0.02%

Volatility

VIGI vs. VIAAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI) has a higher volatility of 3.09% compared to Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIAAX) at 2.87%. This indicates that VIGI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIAAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIGI	VIAAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.09%	2.87%	+0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.33%	10.14%	+0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.05%	13.14%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.46%	14.08%	+0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.85%	15.16%	+0.69%

VIGI vs. VIAAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIGI has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than VIAAX's 0.16% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VIGI vs. VIAAX - Dividend Comparison

VIGI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.14%, more than VIAAX's 2.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
VIGI Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF	2.14%	2.14%	1.93%	1.92%	2.06%	7.02%	1.29%	1.83%	1.99%	1.75%	1.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIGI and VIAAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VIGI and VIAAX 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, VIGI or VIAAX?

VIGI has higher volatility (3.09%) compared to VIAAX (2.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIGI dropped -31.01% vs VIAAX's -30.78%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIGI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.70 vs 0.64), 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.