VRTTX vs. VNQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VRTTX (Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) are both funds - VRTTX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VNQ is a REIT fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. Over the past 10 years, VRTTX returned 15.21%/yr vs 5.44%/yr for VNQ. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VRTTX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VNQ.

Performance

VRTTX vs. VNQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTTX) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VRTTX achieves a 10.07% return, which is significantly lower than VNQ's 11.77% return. Over the past 10 years, VRTTX has outperformed VNQ with an annualized return of 15.21%, while VNQ has yielded a comparatively lower 5.44% annualized return.

VRTTX

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 6M: 8.94%
• 1Y: 25.50%
• 3Y*: 20.91%
• 5Y*: 12.27%
• 10Y*: 15.21%

VNQ

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: 1.13%
• YTD: 11.77%
• 6M: 12.16%
• 1Y: 11.59%
• 3Y*: 11.30%
• 5Y*: 2.83%
• 10Y*: 5.44%

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

VRTTX vs. VNQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VRTTX Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	10.07%	16.70%	23.72%	25.92%	-19.27%	25.48%	20.81%	31.03%	-5.29%	21.02%
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF	11.77%	3.24%	4.81%	11.85%	-26.25%	40.54%	-4.61%	28.91%	-6.03%	4.90%

Correlation

The correlation between VRTTX and VNQ is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.62

Over the past year, the correlation between VRTTX and VNQ has dropped to 0.33 - well below their long-term average of 0.62, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VRTTX vs. VNQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRTTX

VRTTX Risk / Return Rank: 63
VRTTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VRTTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VRTTX Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VRTTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VRTTX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

VNQ

VNQ Risk / Return Rank: 26
VNQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
VNQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
VNQ Omega Ratio Rank: 22
VNQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
VNQ Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

VRTTX vs. VNQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTTX) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ). 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.

	VRTTX	VNQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	0.85	+1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	1.23	+1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.15	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	1.40	+1.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.51	4.37	+9.14

VRTTX vs. VNQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRTTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is higher than the VNQ Sharpe Ratio of 0.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRTTX and VNQ, 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

VRTTX vs. VNQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRTTX drawdown since its inception was -34.96%, smaller than the maximum VNQ drawdown of -73.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRTTX and VNQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRTTX	VNQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.96%	-73.07%	+38.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-8.34%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.56%	-17.46%	-2.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.13%	-34.48%	+9.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.96%	-42.40%	+7.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.45%	-0.66%	-0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.03%	-13.60%	+9.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	2.66%	-0.68%

Volatility

VRTTX vs. VNQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTTX) is 4.73%, while Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) has a volatility of 5.19%. This indicates that VRTTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VNQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRTTX	VNQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.73%	5.19%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.00%	10.20%	-0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.79%	13.84%	-1.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.45%	18.86%	-1.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.46%	20.75%	-2.29%

VRTTX vs. VNQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRTTX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than VNQ's 0.13% 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

VRTTX vs. VNQ - Dividend Comparison

VRTTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, less than VNQ's 3.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF	3.56%	3.92%	3.85%	3.95%	3.91%	2.56%	3.93%	3.39%	4.74%	4.23%	4.82%	3.92%
VRTTX Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.04%	0.82%	1.20%	1.49%	1.54%	1.12%	1.38%	1.72%	1.96%	1.69%	1.89%	1.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRTTX and VNQ in my portfolio?

VRTTX and VNQ have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VRTTX or VNQ?

VNQ has higher volatility (5.19%) compared to VRTTX (4.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRTTX dropped -34.96% vs VNQ's -73.07%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 0.85), 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.