VTABX vs. VTILX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VTABX (Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VTILX (Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund) are both Global Bonds funds from Vanguard - VTABX tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped Index Hedged while VTILX tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped Index (USD Hedged). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VTABX returned 0.44%/yr vs 0.44%/yr for VTILX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTABX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VTILX.

Performance

VTABX vs. VTILX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTABX) and Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund (VTILX). 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 VTABX having a 0.92% return and VTILX slightly higher at 0.95%.

VTABX

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 0.92%
• 6M: 1.13%
• 1Y: 2.16%
• 3Y*: 4.24%
• 5Y*: 0.44%
• 10Y*: 1.78%

VTILX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 0.95%
• 6M: 1.15%
• 1Y: 2.19%
• 3Y*: 4.25%
• 5Y*: 0.44%
• 10Y*: —

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

VTABX vs. VTILX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VTABX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.92%	2.96%	3.92%	8.77%	-12.92%	-0.16%
VTILX Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund	0.95%	2.96%	3.91%	8.85%	-13.01%	0.38%

Correlation

The correlation between VTABX and VTILX is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2021	0.99

The correlation between VTABX and VTILX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VTABX vs. VTILX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTABX

VTABX Risk / Return Rank: 9
VTABX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
VTABX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
VTABX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VTABX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VTABX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

VTILX

VTILX Risk / Return Rank: 9
VTILX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
VTILX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
VTILX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VTILX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VTILX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

VTABX vs. VTILX - 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 II Index Fund (VTILX). 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.

	VTABX	VTILX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.72	0.73	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.05	1.06	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.13	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.77	0.77	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.08	2.11	-0.03

VTABX vs. VTILX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTABX Sharpe Ratio is 0.72, which is comparable to the VTILX Sharpe Ratio of 0.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTABX and VTILX, 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

VTABX vs. VTILX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTABX drawdown since its inception was -16.16%, roughly equal to the maximum VTILX drawdown of -15.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTABX and VTILX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTABX	VTILX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.16%	-15.85%	-0.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.90%	-2.90%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.90%	-2.90%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.81%	-15.85%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.16%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.94%	-0.91%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.04%	-5.86%	+2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.07%	1.06%	+0.01%

Volatility

VTABX vs. VTILX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTABX) and Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund (VTILX) have volatilities of 0.90% and 0.92%, 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

	VTABX	VTILX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.90%	0.92%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.62%	2.64%	-0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.07%	3.09%	-0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.45%	4.46%	-0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.62%	4.36%	-0.74%

VTABX vs. VTILX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTABX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than VTILX's 0.07% 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

VTABX vs. VTILX - Dividend Comparison

VTABX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.44%, more than VTILX's 4.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTABX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.44%	4.36%	4.33%	4.39%	1.48%	3.70%	1.08%	4.28%	3.00%	2.23%	1.80%	1.64%
VTILX Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund	4.35%	4.27%	4.52%	4.22%	0.94%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTABX and VTILX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VTABX and VTILX 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, VTABX or VTILX?

VTILX has higher volatility (0.92%) compared to VTABX (0.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTABX dropped -16.16% vs VTILX's -15.85%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTILX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.73 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.