VTMNX vs. TCIEX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VTMNX (Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares) and TCIEX (TIAA-CREF International Equity Index Fund Institutional Class) are both mutual funds - VTMNX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while TCIEX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index. Over the past 10 years, VTMNX returned 10.26%/yr vs 9.38%/yr for TCIEX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.05% expense ratio.

Performance

VTMNX vs. TCIEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTMNX) and TIAA-CREF International Equity Index Fund Institutional Class (TCIEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTMNX achieves a 15.93% return, which is significantly higher than TCIEX's 9.52% return. Over the past 10 years, VTMNX has outperformed TCIEX with an annualized return of 10.26%, while TCIEX has yielded a comparatively lower 9.38% annualized return.

VTMNX

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 6.02%
• YTD: 15.93%
• 6M: 19.14%
• 1Y: 33.56%
• 3Y*: 20.22%
• 5Y*: 9.97%
• 10Y*: 10.26%

TCIEX

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 4.10%
• YTD: 9.52%
• 6M: 11.87%
• 1Y: 22.18%
• 3Y*: 17.07%
• 5Y*: 8.81%
• 10Y*: 9.38%

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

VTMNX vs. TCIEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTMNX Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares	15.93%	35.16%	2.99%	17.82%	-15.36%	11.40%	10.26%	22.13%	-14.51%	26.45%
TCIEX TIAA-CREF International Equity Index Fund Institutional Class	9.52%	31.55%	3.69%	18.21%	-14.19%	11.30%	8.13%	21.82%	-13.27%	25.34%

Correlation

The correlation between VTMNX and TCIEX 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	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2003	0.97

The correlation between VTMNX and TCIEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VTMNX vs. TCIEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTMNX

VTMNX Risk / Return Rank: 52
VTMNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
VTMNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VTMNX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VTMNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VTMNX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

TCIEX

TCIEX Risk / Return Rank: 26
TCIEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
TCIEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
TCIEX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
TCIEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
TCIEX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

VTMNX vs. TCIEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTMNX) and TIAA-CREF International Equity Index Fund Institutional Class (TCIEX). 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.

	VTMNX	TCIEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	1.42	+0.75
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.95	2.04	+0.91
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.26	+0.13
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	1.89	+0.92
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.90	7.06	+3.84
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTMNX vs. TCIEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTMNX Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is higher than the TCIEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTMNX and TCIEX, 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

	VTMNX	TCIEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.17	1.42	+0.75
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63	0.55	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62	0.57	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	0.41	-0.09

Drawdowns

VTMNX vs. TCIEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTMNX drawdown since its inception was -60.57%, roughly equal to the maximum TCIEX drawdown of -59.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTMNX and TCIEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTMNX	TCIEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.57%	-59.27%	-1.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.69%	-11.35%	-0.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.16%	-13.58%	+0.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-29.25%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.60%	-33.58%	-2.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.49%	+0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.22%	-10.58%	-2.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	3.02%	-0.02%

Volatility

VTMNX vs. TCIEX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTMNX) has a higher volatility of 4.98% compared to TIAA-CREF International Equity Index Fund Institutional Class (TCIEX) at 4.65%. This indicates that VTMNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TCIEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTMNX	TCIEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.98%	4.65%	+0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.55%	12.25%	+0.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.13%	15.11%	+0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.88%	16.10%	-0.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.52%	16.65%	-0.13%

VTMNX vs. TCIEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VTMNX and TCIEX have an expense ratio of 0.05%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTMNX vs. TCIEX - Dividend Comparison

VTMNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.60%, less than TCIEX's 3.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TCIEX TIAA-CREF International Equity Index Fund Institutional Class	3.55%	3.89%	3.17%	3.14%	2.82%	3.02%	1.96%	3.08%	3.42%	2.78%	2.95%	3.06%
VTMNX Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.60%	3.22%	3.36%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.05%	3.35%	2.77%	3.06%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTMNX and TCIEX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VTMNX and TCIEX 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, VTMNX or TCIEX?

VTMNX has higher volatility (4.98%) compared to TCIEX (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTMNX dropped -60.57% vs TCIEX's -59.27%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTMNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.42), 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.