VTPSX vs. STEZX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VTPSX (Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares) and STEZX (AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, VTPSX returned 10.02%/yr vs 11.30%/yr for STEZX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTPSX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.71%/yr for STEZX.

Performance

VTPSX vs. STEZX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VTPSX) and AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio (STEZX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTPSX achieves a 15.63% return, which is significantly lower than STEZX's 22.80% return. Over the past 10 years, VTPSX has underperformed STEZX with an annualized return of 10.02%, while STEZX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.30% annualized return.

VTPSX

• 1D: 1.34%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 15.63%
• 6M: 16.34%
• 1Y: 34.04%
• 3Y*: 18.64%
• 5Y*: 9.29%
• 10Y*: 10.02%

STEZX

• 1D: 1.85%
• 1M: 3.50%
• YTD: 22.80%
• 6M: 23.95%
• 1Y: 47.28%
• 3Y*: 26.65%
• 5Y*: 13.78%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

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

VTPSX vs. STEZX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTPSX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	15.63%	32.25%	5.39%	15.31%	-15.99%	8.64%	11.29%	21.57%	-14.40%	27.56%
STEZX AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio	22.80%	43.11%	12.75%	13.56%	-17.62%	10.32%	4.38%	19.93%	-14.94%	29.96%

Correlation

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

Return for Risk

VTPSX vs. STEZX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTPSX

VTPSX Risk / Return Rank: 64
VTPSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VTPSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VTPSX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
VTPSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTPSX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

STEZX

STEZX Risk / Return Rank: 84
STEZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
STEZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
STEZX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
STEZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
STEZX Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

VTPSX vs. STEZX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VTPSX) and AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio (STEZX). 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.

	VTPSX	STEZX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	2.63	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	3.43	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.49	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.94	3.87	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.45	16.11	-4.65

VTPSX vs. STEZX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTPSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is comparable to the STEZX Sharpe Ratio of 2.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTPSX and STEZX, 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

VTPSX vs. STEZX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTPSX drawdown since its inception was -35.77%, roughly equal to the maximum STEZX drawdown of -36.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTPSX and STEZX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTPSX	STEZX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.77%	-36.51%	+0.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-12.02%	+0.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-14.01%	+0.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.49%	-29.85%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.77%	-36.51%	+0.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.03%	-7.28%	-0.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	2.88%	+0.02%

Volatility

VTPSX vs. STEZX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VTPSX) is 6.11%, while AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio (STEZX) has a volatility of 7.55%. This indicates that VTPSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than STEZX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTPSX	STEZX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.11%	7.55%	-1.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.05%	15.53%	-2.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.08%	17.68%	-2.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.21%	16.59%	-1.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.97%	16.37%	-0.40%

VTPSX vs. STEZX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTPSX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than STEZX's 0.71% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTPSX vs. STEZX - Dividend Comparison

VTPSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.52%, less than STEZX's 10.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
STEZX AB International Strategic Equities Portfolio	10.22%	12.56%	2.45%	3.08%	4.12%	5.96%	1.29%	2.05%	3.23%	2.92%	1.72%	0.00%
VTPSX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares	2.52%	3.18%	3.37%	3.25%	3.09%	3.09%	2.13%	3.08%	3.20%	2.77%	2.97%	2.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTPSX and STEZX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VTPSX and STEZX 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, VTPSX or STEZX?

STEZX has higher volatility (7.55%) compared to VTPSX (6.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTPSX dropped -35.77% vs STEZX's -36.51%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STEZX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 2.20), 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.