VTABX vs. VTIBX
VTABX (Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VTIBX (Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund) are both mutual funds - VTABX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while VTIBX is a Global Bonds fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VTABX returned 1.82%/yr vs 1.70%/yr for VTIBX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTABX charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VTIBX.
Performance
VTABX vs. VTIBX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VTABX achieves a 0.66% return, which is significantly higher than VTIBX's 0.60% return. Over the past 10 years, VTABX has outperformed VTIBX with an annualized return of 1.82%, while VTIBX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.70% annualized return.
VTABX
- 1D
- 0.05%
- 1M
- 0.97%
- YTD
- 0.66%
- 6M
- 0.55%
- 1Y
- 2.16%
- 3Y*
- 4.16%
- 5Y*
- 0.44%
- 10Y*
- 1.82%
VTIBX
- 1D
- 0.10%
- 1M
- 0.97%
- YTD
- 0.60%
- 6M
- 0.54%
- 1Y
- 2.13%
- 3Y*
- 4.12%
- 5Y*
- 0.42%
- 10Y*
- 1.70%
VTABX vs. VTIBX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VTABX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares | 0.66% | 2.96% | 3.92% | 8.77% | -12.92% | -2.22% | 4.54% | 8.83% | 2.97% | 2.39% |
VTIBX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund | 0.60% | 2.98% | 3.84% | 8.86% | -12.97% | -2.27% | 4.56% | 7.76% | 3.00% | 2.31% |
Correlation
The correlation between VTABX and VTIBX is 0.95 - 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 | 0.95 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.97 |
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 Jun 5, 2013 | 0.96 |
The correlation between VTABX and VTIBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VTABX vs. VTIBX — Risk / Return Rank
VTABX
VTIBX
VTABX vs. VTIBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTABX) and Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund (VTIBX). 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.
| VTABX | VTIBX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.03 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.05 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.14 | 1.13 | +0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.78 | 0.76 | +0.02 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.20 | 2.13 | +0.08 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VTABX | VTIBX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.75 | 0.72 | +0.03 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.10 | 0.10 | +0.01 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.50 | 0.47 | +0.04 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.74 | 0.70 | +0.04 |
Drawdowns
VTABX vs. VTIBX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VTABX drawdown since its inception was -16.16%, roughly equal to the maximum VTIBX drawdown of -16.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTABX and VTIBX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VTABX | VTIBX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -16.16% | -16.15% | -0.01% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.90% | -2.95% | +0.05% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -2.90% | -2.95% | +0.05% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -15.81% | -15.81% | 0.00% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -16.16% | -16.15% | -0.01% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.20% | -1.26% | +0.06% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.05% | -3.07% | +0.02% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.03% | 1.05% | -0.02% |
Volatility
VTABX vs. VTIBX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTABX) is 1.30%, while Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund (VTIBX) has a volatility of 1.42%. This indicates that VTABX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTIBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VTABX | VTIBX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.30% | 1.42% | -0.12% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.57% | 2.63% | -0.06% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.03% | 3.12% | -0.09% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 4.44% | 4.49% | -0.05% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 3.61% | 3.66% | -0.05% |
VTABX vs. VTIBX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VTABX has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than VTIBX'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
VTABX vs. VTIBX - Dividend Comparison
VTABX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.45%, which matches VTIBX's 4.43% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VTABX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares | 4.45% | 4.36% | 4.33% | 4.39% | 1.48% | 3.70% | 1.08% | 4.28% | 3.00% | 2.23% | 1.80% | 1.64% |
VTIBX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund | 4.43% | 4.33% | 4.31% | 4.37% | 1.41% | 3.68% | 1.06% | 3.36% | 2.98% | 2.21% | 1.76% | 1.61% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.95, VTABX and VTIBX 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.
VTIBX has higher volatility (1.42%) compared to VTABX (1.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTABX dropped -16.16% vs VTIBX's -16.15%.
VTABX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.75 vs 0.72), 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.
Find the right allocation for VTABX and VTIBX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer