VTIVX vs. VSMPX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VTIVX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund) and VSMPX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) are both mutual funds - VTIVX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard, while VSMPX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Over the past 10 years, VTIVX returned 11.66%/yr vs 15.31%/yr for VSMPX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTIVX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for VSMPX.

Performance

VTIVX vs. VSMPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund (VTIVX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VTIVX having a 10.42% return and VSMPX slightly lower at 10.35%. Over the past 10 years, VTIVX has underperformed VSMPX with an annualized return of 11.66%, while VSMPX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.31% annualized return.

VTIVX

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 1.48%
• YTD: 10.42%
• 6M: 9.85%
• 1Y: 24.38%
• 3Y*: 17.98%
• 5Y*: 9.39%
• 10Y*: 11.66%

VSMPX

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 9.20%
• 1Y: 25.96%
• 3Y*: 21.19%
• 5Y*: 12.38%
• 10Y*: 15.31%

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

VTIVX vs. VSMPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTIVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund	10.42%	20.01%	13.68%	19.72%	-17.38%	16.16%	16.31%	24.94%	-7.89%	19.16%
VSMPX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	10.35%	17.15%	23.26%	26.53%	-19.50%	25.74%	21.01%	30.79%	-5.16%	21.19%

Correlation

The correlation between VTIVX and VSMPX 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 (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2016	0.96

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

Return for Risk

VTIVX vs. VSMPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTIVX

VTIVX Risk / Return Rank: 71
VTIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VTIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VTIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VTIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VTIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

VSMPX

VSMPX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VSMPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VSMPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VSMPX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VSMPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VSMPX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

VTIVX vs. VSMPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund (VTIVX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX). 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.

	VTIVX	VSMPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	2.13	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.89	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.38	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	3.06	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.22	13.69	-0.47

VTIVX vs. VSMPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTIVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the VSMPX Sharpe Ratio of 2.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTIVX and VSMPX, 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

VTIVX vs. VSMPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTIVX drawdown since its inception was -51.69%, which is greater than VSMPX's maximum drawdown of -34.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTIVX and VSMPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTIVX	VSMPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.69%	-34.97%	-16.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.30%	-8.92%	+0.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.40%	-19.36%	+5.96%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.10%	-25.35%	+0.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.42%	-34.97%	+3.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.60%	-1.47%	+0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.32%	-4.58%	-1.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.92%	1.99%	-0.07%

Volatility

VTIVX vs. VSMPX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund (VTIVX) is 4.42%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSMPX) has a volatility of 4.77%. This indicates that VTIVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSMPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTIVX	VSMPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.42%	4.77%	-0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.21%	10.04%	-0.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.16%	12.83%	-1.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.59%	17.45%	-3.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.83%	18.46%	-3.63%

VTIVX vs. VSMPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTIVX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VSMPX's 0.02% 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

VTIVX vs. VSMPX - Dividend Comparison

VTIVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.26%, more than VSMPX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VSMPX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	1.03%	1.13%	1.27%	1.43%	1.67%	1.22%	1.43%	1.78%	2.05%	1.73%	1.95%	0.00%
VTIVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund	2.26%	2.50%	2.36%	2.27%	2.75%	15.40%	1.90%	2.23%	2.52%	0.04%	2.47%	3.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTIVX and VSMPX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VTIVX and VSMPX 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, VTIVX or VSMPX?

VSMPX has higher volatility (4.77%) compared to VTIVX (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTIVX dropped -51.69% vs VSMPX's -34.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 2.13), 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.