VTHR vs. SPXM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VTHR (Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF) and SPXM (Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. VTHR is passively managed, while SPXM is actively managed. Over the past year, VTHR returned 21.62% vs 8.67% for SPXM. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VTHR charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for SPXM.

Performance

VTHR vs. SPXM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) and Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF (SPXM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VTHR

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 1.26%
• 6M: 8.32%
• YTD: 10.84%
• 1Y: 21.62%
• 3Y*: 19.69%
• 5Y*: 12.01%
• 10Y*: 14.60%

SPXM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• 6M: 0.00%
• YTD: 0.00%
• 1Y: 8.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTHR vs. SPXM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTHR Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF	10.84%	10.17%
SPXM Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF	0.00%	9.27%

Correlation

The correlation between VTHR and SPXM is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.53

The correlation between VTHR and SPXM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VTHR vs. SPXM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTHR

VTHR Risk / Return Rank: 65
VTHR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VTHR Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VTHR Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VTHR Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VTHR Martin Ratio Rank: 73

SPXM

SPXM Risk / Return Rank: 60
SPXM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SPXM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPXM Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SPXM Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SPXM 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.

VTHR vs. SPXM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) and Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF (SPXM). 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.

	VTHR	SPXM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.39	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	1.97	+0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.38	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	2.10	+0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.70	9.84	+0.85

VTHR vs. SPXM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTHR Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the SPXM Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTHR and SPXM, 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

VTHR vs. SPXM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTHR drawdown since its inception was -34.61%, which is greater than SPXM's maximum drawdown of -5.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTHR and SPXM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTHR	SPXM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.61%	-5.08%	-29.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.91%	-5.08%	-3.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.36%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.06%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-0.75%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.02%	-0.78%	-3.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	—	—

Volatility

VTHR vs. SPXM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) has a higher volatility of 3.99% compared to Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF (SPXM) at 0.00%. This indicates that VTHR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPXM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTHR	SPXM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.99%	0.00%	+3.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.17%	3.99%	+6.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.86%	7.68%	+5.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.40%	7.64%	+9.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.83%	7.64%	+10.19%

VTHR vs. SPXM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTHR has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than SPXM's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTHR vs. SPXM - Dividend Comparison

VTHR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, more than SPXM's 0.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPXM Azoria 500 Meritocracy ETF	0.24%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTHR Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF	1.03%	1.08%	1.19%	1.47%	1.52%	1.16%	1.37%	1.65%	1.89%	1.63%	1.82%	1.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTHR and SPXM in my portfolio?

VTHR and SPXM have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTHR or SPXM?

VTHR has higher volatility (3.99%) compared to SPXM (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTHR dropped -34.61% vs SPXM's -5.08%.

Which ETF is better, VTHR or SPXM?

On 1-year performance, VTHR leads with 21.62% vs 8.67% for SPXM. On fees, VTHR is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SPXM has been the lower-risk option at 0.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTHR or SPXM?

Over the 1-year period, VTHR has performed better with a 21.62% return vs 8.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTHR or SPXM?

VTHR is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for SPXM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTHR or SPXM?

VTHR has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.24% for SPXM.

What is the main difference between VTHR and SPXM?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Azoria. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VTHR and 0.47% for SPXM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTHR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 1.39), 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.