VTSNX vs. BTMKX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VTSNX (Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares) and BTMKX (iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - VTSNX tracks the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index while BTMKX tracks the MSCI EAFE Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VTSNX returned 10.18%/yr vs 10.04%/yr for BTMKX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTSNX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for BTMKX.

Performance

VTSNX vs. BTMKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX) and iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund (BTMKX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTSNX achieves a 12.34% return, which is significantly higher than BTMKX's 8.57% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VTSNX having a 10.18% annualized return and BTMKX not far behind at 10.04%.

VTSNX

• 1D: -3.01%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 12.34%
• 6M: 12.22%
• 1Y: 27.46%
• 3Y*: 18.84%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: 10.18%

BTMKX

• 1D: -2.09%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 8.57%
• 6M: 8.12%
• 1Y: 20.56%
• 3Y*: 16.90%
• 5Y*: 8.75%
• 10Y*: 10.04%

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

VTSNX vs. BTMKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	12.34%	32.24%	5.38%	15.29%	-15.99%	8.64%	11.27%	21.69%	-14.41%	27.54%
BTMKX iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund	8.57%	31.70%	3.70%	18.37%	-14.04%	11.30%	8.07%	21.96%	-13.38%	25.17%

Correlation

The correlation between VTSNX and BTMKX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
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 Mar 31, 2011	0.97

The correlation between VTSNX and BTMKX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VTSNX vs. BTMKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTSNX

VTSNX Risk / Return Rank: 50
VTSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VTSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VTSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VTSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VTSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

BTMKX

BTMKX Risk / Return Rank: 31
BTMKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
BTMKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
BTMKX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
BTMKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
BTMKX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

VTSNX vs. BTMKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX) and iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund (BTMKX). 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.

	VTSNX	BTMKX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	1.42	+0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.59	2.03	+0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.26	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	1.97	+0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.18	7.34	+2.84

VTSNX vs. BTMKX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTSNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is higher than the BTMKX Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTSNX and BTMKX, 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

VTSNX vs. BTMKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTSNX drawdown since its inception was -35.72%, which is greater than BTMKX's maximum drawdown of -33.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTSNX and BTMKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTSNX	BTMKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.72%	-33.92%	-1.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-11.30%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-13.66%	+0.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.50%	-29.23%	-0.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.72%	-33.92%	-1.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.01%	-2.09%	-0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.07%	-7.74%	-0.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	3.02%	-0.12%

Volatility

VTSNX vs. BTMKX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX) has a higher volatility of 6.80% compared to iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund (BTMKX) at 5.28%. This indicates that VTSNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BTMKX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTSNX	BTMKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.80%	5.28%	+1.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.40%	13.07%	+0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	15.70%	-0.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.27%	16.28%	-1.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.82%	16.44%	-0.62%

VTSNX vs. BTMKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTSNX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than BTMKX's 0.05% 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

VTSNX vs. BTMKX - Dividend Comparison

VTSNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.59%, less than BTMKX's 3.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BTMKX iShares MSCI EAFE International Index Fund	3.45%	3.74%	3.43%	3.19%	2.80%	3.06%	1.99%	3.34%	4.58%	2.45%	2.85%	2.42%
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.59%	3.17%	3.36%	3.24%	3.08%	3.08%	2.13%	3.16%	3.19%	2.75%	2.95%	2.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTSNX and BTMKX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VTSNX and BTMKX 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, VTSNX or BTMKX?

VTSNX has higher volatility (6.80%) compared to BTMKX (5.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTSNX dropped -35.72% vs BTMKX's -33.92%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 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.