VSVNX vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VSVNX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2070 Fund) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both funds - VSVNX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Over the past 3 years, VSVNX returned 19.15%/yr vs 20.62%/yr for VTI. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSVNX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

VSVNX vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Retirement 2070 Fund (VSVNX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSVNX achieves a 11.41% return, which is significantly higher than VTI's 8.82% return.

VSVNX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 1.55%
• YTD: 11.41%
• 6M: 10.78%
• 1Y: 26.47%
• 3Y*: 19.15%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 8.82%
• 6M: 7.71%
• 1Y: 24.22%
• 3Y*: 20.62%
• 5Y*: 11.90%
• 10Y*: 15.14%

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

VSVNX vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VSVNX Vanguard Target Retirement 2070 Fund	11.41%	21.43%	14.38%	20.45%	1.72%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.82%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	1.22%

Correlation

The correlation between VSVNX and VTI is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 5, 2022	0.95

The correlation between VSVNX and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSVNX vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSVNX

VSVNX Risk / Return Rank: 71
VSVNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VSVNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VSVNX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VSVNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
VSVNX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 59
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

VSVNX vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Retirement 2070 Fund (VSVNX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

	VSVNX	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	1.90	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	2.59	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.34	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	2.73	+0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.37	12.14	+1.23

VSVNX vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSVNX Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSVNX and VTI, 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

VSVNX vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSVNX drawdown since its inception was -15.39%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSVNX and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSVNX	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.39%	-55.45%	+40.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.94%	-8.92%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.53%	-19.30%	+4.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.67%	-2.85%	+2.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.49%	-8.01%	+5.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.06%	2.00%	+0.06%

Volatility

VSVNX vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Target Retirement 2070 Fund (VSVNX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) have volatilities of 4.78% and 4.95%, 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

	VSVNX	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.78%	4.95%	-0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.00%	10.05%	-0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.13%	12.83%	-0.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.78%	17.51%	-3.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.78%	18.32%	-4.54%

VSVNX vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSVNX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% 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

VSVNX vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

VSVNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, more than VTI's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VSVNX Vanguard Target Retirement 2070 Fund	1.63%	1.82%	1.79%	1.57%	0.91%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.04%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSVNX and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VSVNX and VTI 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, VSVNX or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to VSVNX (4.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSVNX dropped -15.39% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSVNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.90), 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.