VRTTX vs. VSTSX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VRTTX (Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VSTSX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, VRTTX returned 12.78%/yr vs 12.91%/yr for VSTSX. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VRTTX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for VSTSX.

Performance

VRTTX vs. VSTSX - 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 Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VSTSX). 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 VRTTX having a 11.45% return and VSTSX slightly higher at 11.72%.

VRTTX

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 5.02%
• YTD: 11.45%
• 6M: 11.81%
• 1Y: 29.18%
• 3Y*: 21.98%
• 5Y*: 12.78%
• 10Y*: 15.01%

VSTSX

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 5.10%
• YTD: 11.72%
• 6M: 12.09%
• 1Y: 29.69%
• 3Y*: 22.28%
• 5Y*: 12.91%
• 10Y*: —

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

VRTTX vs. VSTSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VRTTX Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	11.45%	16.70%	23.72%	25.92%	-19.27%	25.48%	20.81%	31.03%	-5.29%	20.03%
VSTSX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares	11.72%	17.16%	23.27%	26.54%	-19.49%	25.75%	21.02%	30.81%	-5.15%	20.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VRTTX and VSTSX is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2017	1.00

The correlation between VRTTX and VSTSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VRTTX vs. VSTSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRTTX

VRTTX Risk / Return Rank: 70
VRTTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VRTTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VRTTX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VRTTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VRTTX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

VSTSX

VSTSX Risk / Return Rank: 72
VSTSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VSTSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VSTSX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VSTSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VSTSX 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.

VRTTX vs. VSTSX - 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 Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VSTSX). 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.

	VRTTX	VSTSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	2.49	-0.04
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.34	3.39	-0.04
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.45	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.35	3.39	-0.04
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.42	15.66	-0.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VRTTX vs. VSTSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRTTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is comparable to the VSTSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRTTX and VSTSX, 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

	VRTTX	VSTSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.45	2.49	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74	0.75	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	0.80	+0.03

Drawdowns

VRTTX vs. VSTSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRTTX drawdown since its inception was -34.96%, roughly equal to the maximum VSTSX drawdown of -34.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRTTX and VSTSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRTTX	VSTSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.96%	-34.97%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-8.92%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.56%	-19.36%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.13%	-25.35%	+0.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.96%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.04%	-4.90%	+0.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.92%	1.93%	-0.01%

Volatility

VRTTX vs. VSTSX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares (VRTTX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VSTSX) have volatilities of 2.95% and 2.95%, 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

	VRTTX	VSTSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.95%	2.95%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.17%	9.20%	-0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.19%	12.21%	-0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.36%	17.36%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.42%	18.76%	-0.34%

VRTTX vs. VSTSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRTTX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTSX's 0.01% 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

VRTTX vs. VSTSX - Dividend Comparison

VRTTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.00%, less than VSTSX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VRTTX Vanguard Russell 3000 Index Fund Institutional Shares	1.00%	0.82%	1.20%	1.49%	1.54%	1.12%	1.38%	1.72%	1.96%	1.69%	1.89%	1.91%
VSTSX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares	1.03%	1.13%	1.27%	1.43%	1.67%	1.23%	1.44%	1.79%	2.07%	1.74%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRTTX and VSTSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VRTTX and VSTSX 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, VRTTX or VSTSX?

VSTSX has higher volatility (2.95%) compared to VRTTX (2.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRTTX dropped -34.96% vs VSTSX's -34.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 2.45), 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.