VTMNX vs. VTTHX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VTMNX (Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VTTHX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund) are both mutual funds - VTMNX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VTTHX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VTMNX returned 11.01%/yr vs 10.06%/yr for VTTHX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTMNX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VTTHX.

Performance

VTMNX vs. VTTHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTMNX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTMNX achieves a 16.59% return, which is significantly higher than VTTHX's 8.58% return. Over the past 10 years, VTMNX has outperformed VTTHX with an annualized return of 11.01%, while VTTHX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.06% annualized return.

VTMNX

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 16.59%
• 6M: 16.36%
• 1Y: 34.31%
• 3Y*: 20.63%
• 5Y*: 10.37%
• 10Y*: 11.01%

VTTHX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 1.33%
• YTD: 8.58%
• 6M: 8.15%
• 1Y: 20.41%
• 3Y*: 15.46%
• 5Y*: 7.76%
• 10Y*: 10.06%

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

VTMNX vs. VTTHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTMNX Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares	16.59%	35.16%	2.99%	17.82%	-15.36%	11.40%	10.26%	22.13%	-14.51%	26.45%
VTTHX Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund	8.58%	17.55%	11.56%	17.37%	-16.64%	12.96%	14.80%	22.44%	-6.57%	16.81%

Correlation

The correlation between VTMNX and VTTHX is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2003	0.88

The correlation between VTMNX and VTTHX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VTMNX vs. VTTHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTMNX

VTMNX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VTMNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VTMNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VTMNX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VTMNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VTMNX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

VTTHX

VTTHX Risk / Return Rank: 69
VTTHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VTTHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VTTHX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VTTHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VTTHX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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. VTTHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTMNX) and Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX). 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.

	VTMNX	VTTHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	2.25	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	3.15	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.42	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.03	2.96	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.62	12.75	-1.13

VTMNX vs. VTTHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTMNX Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the VTTHX Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTMNX and VTTHX, 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

VTMNX vs. VTTHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTMNX drawdown since its inception was -60.57%, which is greater than VTTHX's maximum drawdown of -51.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTMNX and VTTHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTMNX	VTTHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.57%	-51.76%	-8.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.69%	-7.17%	-4.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.16%	-10.87%	-2.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-23.53%	-6.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.60%	-27.15%	-8.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.50%	+0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.20%	-6.08%	-7.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	1.66%	+1.38%

Volatility

VTMNX vs. VTTHX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTMNX) has a higher volatility of 6.21% compared to Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX) at 3.73%. This indicates that VTMNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTTHX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTMNX	VTTHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.21%	3.73%	+2.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.67%	7.87%	+5.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.99%	9.46%	+6.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.05%	11.46%	+4.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.54%	12.49%	+4.05%

VTMNX vs. VTTHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTMNX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VTTHX's 0.08% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTMNX vs. VTTHX - Dividend Comparison

VTMNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, less than VTTHX's 2.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTMNX Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.51%	3.22%	3.36%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.05%	3.35%	2.77%	3.06%	2.92%
VTTHX Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund	2.72%	2.96%	3.12%	2.47%	2.71%	19.52%	2.50%	2.33%	2.69%	0.16%	2.77%	4.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTMNX and VTTHX in my portfolio?

VTMNX and VTTHX have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTMNX or VTTHX?

VTMNX has higher volatility (6.21%) compared to VTTHX (3.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTMNX dropped -60.57% vs VTTHX's -51.76%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTTHX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 2.22), 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.