VTTVX vs. VBIAX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VTTVX (Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund) and VBIAX (Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Diversified Portfolio funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VTTVX returned 8.10%/yr vs 9.81%/yr for VBIAX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTTVX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBIAX.

Performance

VTTVX vs. VBIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund (VTTVX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX). 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 VTTVX having a 5.36% return and VBIAX slightly higher at 5.52%. Over the past 10 years, VTTVX has underperformed VBIAX with an annualized return of 8.10%, while VBIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.81% annualized return.

VTTVX

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 5.36%
• 6M: 4.94%
• 1Y: 13.72%
• 3Y*: 12.20%
• 5Y*: 5.65%
• 10Y*: 8.10%

VBIAX

• 1D: -0.79%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 5.52%
• 6M: 4.63%
• 1Y: 15.19%
• 3Y*: 14.03%
• 5Y*: 7.28%
• 10Y*: 9.81%

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

VTTVX vs. VBIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTTVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund	5.36%	14.63%	9.23%	14.76%	-15.57%	9.78%	13.31%	19.63%	-5.14%	13.68%
VBIAX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares	5.52%	13.61%	14.58%	17.54%	-16.90%	14.21%	16.40%	21.78%	-2.86%	13.89%

Correlation

The correlation between VTTVX and VBIAX 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	0.95
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 Oct 27, 2003	0.97

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

Return for Risk

VTTVX vs. VBIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTTVX

VTTVX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VTTVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
VTTVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VTTVX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VTTVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VTTVX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VBIAX

VBIAX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VBIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VBIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VBIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VBIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VBIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

VTTVX vs. VBIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund (VTTVX) and Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX). 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.

	VTTVX	VBIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.93	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	2.73	+0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.35	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	2.78	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.24	12.29	-1.05

VTTVX vs. VBIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTTVX Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the VBIAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTTVX and VBIAX, 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

VTTVX vs. VBIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTTVX drawdown since its inception was -46.03%, which is greater than VBIAX's maximum drawdown of -35.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTTVX and VBIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTTVX	VBIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.03%	-35.90%	-10.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.57%	-5.83%	+0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.84%	-11.70%	+3.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.52%	-21.53%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.51%	-22.78%	+0.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-1.71%	+0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.04%	-4.44%	-0.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.30%	1.32%	-0.02%

Volatility

VTTVX vs. VBIAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund (VTTVX) is 3.05%, while Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX) has a volatility of 3.34%. This indicates that VTTVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTTVX	VBIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.05%	3.34%	-0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.13%	6.72%	-0.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.33%	8.41%	-1.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.16%	11.13%	-1.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.91%	11.24%	-1.33%

VTTVX vs. VBIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTTVX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VBIAX's 0.07% 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

VTTVX vs. VBIAX - Dividend Comparison

VTTVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.01%, more than VBIAX's 5.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBIAX Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares	5.30%	6.00%	5.27%	4.35%	2.83%	3.19%	2.65%	2.28%	2.32%	1.95%	2.09%	2.09%
VTTVX Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund	7.01%	7.38%	7.63%	3.96%	2.96%	16.28%	4.35%	2.57%	3.14%	0.47%	2.68%	4.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTTVX and VBIAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VTTVX and VBIAX 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, VTTVX or VBIAX?

VBIAX has higher volatility (3.34%) compared to VTTVX (3.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTTVX dropped -46.03% vs VBIAX's -35.90%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTTVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.93), 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.