VTSNX vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VTSNX (Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both funds - VTSNX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Over the past 10 years, VTSNX returned 9.89%/yr vs 10.17%/yr for VEA. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTSNX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

VTSNX vs. VEA - 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 Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VTSNX having a 15.42% return and VEA slightly lower at 14.92%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VTSNX having a 9.89% annualized return and VEA not far ahead at 10.17%.

VTSNX

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 5.54%
• YTD: 15.42%
• 6M: 18.20%
• 1Y: 33.39%
• 3Y*: 19.83%
• 5Y*: 8.84%
• 10Y*: 9.89%

VEA

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 5.54%
• YTD: 14.92%
• 6M: 18.15%
• 1Y: 32.48%
• 3Y*: 19.77%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 10.17%

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

VTSNX vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	15.42%	32.24%	5.38%	15.29%	-15.99%	8.64%	11.27%	21.69%	-14.41%	27.54%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.92%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between VTSNX and VEA is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2011	0.97

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

VTSNX vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTSNX	VEA
Financial Services	22.3%	23.3%
Technology	18.1%	13.8%
Industrials	16.1%	19.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	7.5%
Basic Materials	7.6%	7.5%
Healthcare	7.1%	8.2%
Energy	5.2%	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	5.6%
Communication Services	4.4%	3.4%
Utilities	3.2%	3.3%
Real Estate	2.6%	2.7%

Return for Risk

VTSNX vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTSNX

VTSNX Risk / Return Rank: 59
VTSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VTSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VTSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VTSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 59
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. VEA - 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 Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	VTSNX	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	2.09	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.15	2.87	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.38	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.92	2.81	+0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.52	10.94	+0.58
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTSNX vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTSNX Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTSNX and VEA, 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

	VTSNX	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32	2.09	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59	0.58	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62	0.59	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.25	+0.18

Drawdowns

VTSNX vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTSNX drawdown since its inception was -35.72%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTSNX and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTSNX	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.72%	-60.68%	+24.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-11.63%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.14%	-13.45%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.55%	-29.71%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.72%	-35.73%	+0.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.90%	+0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.10%	-13.29%	+5.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.85%	2.98%	-0.13%

Volatility

VTSNX vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX) is 4.80%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 5.66%. This indicates that VTSNX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTSNX	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.80%	5.66%	-0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.90%	13.32%	-1.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.21%	15.66%	-1.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.04%	16.55%	-1.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.93%	17.36%	-1.43%

VTSNX vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTSNX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% 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. VEA - Dividend Comparison

VTSNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, which matches VEA's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.62%	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 VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VTSNX and VEA 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 VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to VTSNX (4.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTSNX dropped -35.72% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 2.09), 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.