VIVAX vs. PNGAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VIVAX (Vanguard Value Index Fund) and PNGAX (Putnam International Value Fund) are both mutual funds - VIVAX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while PNGAX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Putnam. Over the past 10 years, VIVAX returned 12.27%/yr vs 9.82%/yr for PNGAX. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VIVAX charges 0.17%/yr vs 1.27%/yr for PNGAX.

Performance

VIVAX vs. PNGAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Value Index Fund (VIVAX) and Putnam International Value Fund (PNGAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIVAX achieves a 12.20% return, which is significantly higher than PNGAX's 9.56% return. Over the past 10 years, VIVAX has outperformed PNGAX with an annualized return of 12.27%, while PNGAX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.82% annualized return.

VIVAX

• 1D: 0.86%
• 1M: 4.21%
• YTD: 12.20%
• 6M: 13.03%
• 1Y: 26.06%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 11.03%
• 10Y*: 12.27%

PNGAX

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 3.00%
• YTD: 9.56%
• 6M: 12.44%
• 1Y: 22.48%
• 3Y*: 19.26%
• 5Y*: 10.95%
• 10Y*: 9.82%

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

VIVAX vs. PNGAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIVAX Vanguard Value Index Fund	12.20%	14.50%	15.85%	9.08%	-2.18%	26.32%	2.18%	25.66%	-5.56%	16.98%
PNGAX Putnam International Value Fund	9.56%	34.66%	5.86%	18.50%	-6.85%	14.24%	4.19%	19.96%	-18.02%	24.09%

Correlation

The correlation between VIVAX and PNGAX is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 1, 1996	0.67

The correlation between VIVAX and PNGAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VIVAX vs. PNGAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIVAX

VIVAX Risk / Return Rank: 81
VIVAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VIVAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VIVAX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
VIVAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
VIVAX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

PNGAX

PNGAX Risk / Return Rank: 30
PNGAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
PNGAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
PNGAX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
PNGAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
PNGAX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

VIVAX vs. PNGAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Value Index Fund (VIVAX) and Putnam International Value Fund (PNGAX). 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.

	VIVAX	PNGAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.66	1.55	+1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.79	2.20	+1.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.28	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.21	2.10	+2.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.84	7.74	+8.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VIVAX vs. PNGAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIVAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.66, which is higher than the PNGAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIVAX and PNGAX, 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

	VIVAX	PNGAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.66	1.55	+1.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80	0.70	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74	0.58	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.55	0.35	+0.20

Drawdowns

VIVAX vs. PNGAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIVAX drawdown since its inception was -59.38%, smaller than the maximum PNGAX drawdown of -64.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIVAX and PNGAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIVAX	PNGAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.38%	-64.78%	+5.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.37%	-10.51%	+4.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.90%	-13.87%	-1.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.17%	-27.37%	+10.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.81%	-41.58%	+4.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.63%	+0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.07%	-15.82%	+7.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.69%	2.84%	-1.15%

Volatility

VIVAX vs. PNGAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Value Index Fund (VIVAX) is 2.71%, while Putnam International Value Fund (PNGAX) has a volatility of 4.18%. This indicates that VIVAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PNGAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIVAX	PNGAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.71%	4.18%	-1.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.64%	11.41%	-3.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.09%	14.28%	-4.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.92%	15.75%	-1.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.74%	17.06%	-0.32%

VIVAX vs. PNGAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIVAX has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than PNGAX's 1.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIVAX vs. PNGAX - Dividend Comparison

VIVAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.75%, less than PNGAX's 2.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PNGAX Putnam International Value Fund	2.71%	2.97%	3.89%	2.35%	1.63%	5.70%	1.84%	3.91%	4.34%	1.11%	2.23%	1.09%
VIVAX Vanguard Value Index Fund	1.75%	1.42%	2.19%	2.33%	2.39%	2.02%	2.43%	2.39%	2.59%	2.18%	2.33%	2.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIVAX and PNGAX in my portfolio?

VIVAX and PNGAX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIVAX or PNGAX?

PNGAX has higher volatility (4.18%) compared to VIVAX (2.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIVAX dropped -59.38% vs PNGAX's -64.78%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIVAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.66 vs 1.55), 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.