VTEC vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VTEC (Vanguard California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTEC is a Municipal Bonds fund tracking the S&P California AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VTEC returned 6.69% vs 32.01% for VXUS. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VTEC charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

VTEC vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEC) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTEC achieves a 0.98% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 14.25% return.

VTEC

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 0.98%
• 6M: 1.25%
• 1Y: 6.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 14.25%
• 6M: 16.92%
• 1Y: 32.01%
• 3Y*: 19.30%
• 5Y*: 8.46%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

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

VTEC vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VTEC Vanguard California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	0.98%	3.98%	1.42%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	14.25%	32.35%	6.34%

Correlation

The correlation between VTEC and VXUS is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2024	0.24

Return for Risk

VTEC vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTEC

VTEC Risk / Return Rank: 66
VTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
VTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 84
VTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
VTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

VTEC vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEC) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	VTEC	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	2.12	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.53	2.90	+0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.39	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	2.85	-0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.83	11.14	-3.31
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTEC vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTEC Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTEC and VXUS, 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

	VTEC	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39	2.12	+0.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.73	0.39	+0.34

Drawdowns

VTEC vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTEC drawdown since its inception was -4.50%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTEC and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTEC	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.50%	-35.97%	+31.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.85%	-11.27%	+8.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.58%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.44%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.82%	-0.99%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.12%	-8.22%	+7.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.86%	2.88%	-2.02%

Volatility

VTEC vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEC) is 0.86%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 5.60%. This indicates that VTEC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTEC	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.86%	5.60%	-4.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.87%	13.00%	-11.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.82%	15.21%	-12.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.76%	16.05%	-12.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.76%	17.16%	-13.40%

VTEC vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTEC has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% 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

VTEC vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

VTEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.16%, more than VXUS's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTEC Vanguard California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	3.16%	3.13%	2.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.66%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTEC and VXUS in my portfolio?

VTEC and VXUS have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTEC or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to VTEC (0.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTEC dropped -4.50% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, VTEC or VXUS?

On 1-year performance, VXUS leads with 32.01% vs 6.69% for VTEC. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VTEC has been the lower-risk option at 0.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTEC or VXUS?

Over the 1-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 32.01% return vs 6.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTEC or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for VTEC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTEC or VXUS?

VTEC has the higher dividend yield at 3.16%, compared with 2.66% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between VTEC and VXUS?

VTEC is categorized as Municipal Bonds, while VXUS is Global Equities. VTEC tracks S&P California AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for VTEC and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 2.12), 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.