VTSNX vs. FTIHX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VTSNX (Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares) and FTIHX (Fidelity Total International Index Fund) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - VTSNX tracks the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index while FTIHX tracks the MSCI ACWI (All Country World Index) ex USA Investable Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VTSNX returned 8.15%/yr vs 8.11%/yr for FTIHX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTSNX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for FTIHX.

Performance

VTSNX vs. FTIHX - 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 Fidelity Total International Index Fund (FTIHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VTSNX having a 12.83% return and FTIHX slightly higher at 12.99%.

VTSNX

• 1D: 3.13%
• 1M: -0.01%
• YTD: 12.83%
• 6M: 14.71%
• 1Y: 29.20%
• 3Y*: 18.46%
• 5Y*: 8.15%
• 10Y*: 9.99%

FTIHX

• 1D: 3.27%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 12.99%
• 6M: 14.98%
• 1Y: 29.14%
• 3Y*: 18.54%
• 5Y*: 8.11%
• 10Y*: —

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

VTSNX vs. FTIHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	12.83%	32.24%	5.38%	15.29%	-15.99%	8.64%	11.27%	21.69%	-14.41%	27.54%
FTIHX Fidelity Total International Index Fund	12.99%	32.59%	4.98%	15.49%	-16.29%	8.45%	11.09%	21.50%	-14.40%	25.88%

Correlation

The correlation between VTSNX and FTIHX is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2016	0.99

The correlation between VTSNX and FTIHX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VTSNX vs. FTIHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTSNX

VTSNX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VTSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VTSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VTSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VTSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

FTIHX

FTIHX Risk / Return Rank: 64
FTIHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
FTIHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FTIHX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
FTIHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
FTIHX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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. FTIHX - 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 Fidelity Total International Index Fund (FTIHX). 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	FTIHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	1.86	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.57	2.54	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.35	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.51	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.73	9.70	+0.03

VTSNX vs. FTIHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTSNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the FTIHX Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTSNX and FTIHX, 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. FTIHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTSNX drawdown since its inception was -35.72%, roughly equal to the maximum FTIHX drawdown of -35.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTSNX and FTIHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTSNX	FTIHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.72%	-35.75%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-11.25%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-13.15%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.50%	-29.99%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.72%	-35.75%	+0.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.24%	-2.20%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.09%	-7.20%	-0.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.91%	2.91%	0.00%

Volatility

VTSNX vs. FTIHX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX) and Fidelity Total International Index Fund (FTIHX) have volatilities of 6.40% and 6.49%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTSNX	FTIHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.40%	6.49%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.97%	13.16%	-0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.08%	15.23%	-0.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.20%	15.45%	-0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.98%	16.11%	-0.13%

VTSNX vs. FTIHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTSNX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than FTIHX's 0.06% 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. FTIHX - Dividend Comparison

VTSNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, more than FTIHX's 2.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTIHX Fidelity Total International Index Fund	2.46%	2.78%	2.88%	2.78%	2.51%	2.55%	1.62%	2.61%	2.21%	0.45%	0.47%	0.00%
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.68%	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 FTIHX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VTSNX and FTIHX 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 FTIHX?

FTIHX has higher volatility (6.49%) compared to VTSNX (6.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTSNX dropped -35.72% vs FTIHX's -35.75%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.86), 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.