VWNEX vs. VTSNX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VWNEX (Vanguard Windsor Fund Admiral Shares) and VTSNX (Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both mutual funds - VWNEX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VTSNX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Over the past 10 years, VWNEX returned 11.98%/yr vs 10.01%/yr for VTSNX. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VWNEX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VTSNX.

Performance

VWNEX vs. VTSNX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWNEX achieves a 7.22% return, which is significantly lower than VTSNX's 15.62% return. Over the past 10 years, VWNEX has outperformed VTSNX with an annualized return of 11.98%, while VTSNX has yielded a comparatively lower 10.01% annualized return.

VWNEX

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 7.22%
• 6M: 6.41%
• 1Y: 20.67%
• 3Y*: 13.17%
• 5Y*: 10.31%
• 10Y*: 11.98%

VTSNX

• 1D: 1.34%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 15.62%
• 6M: 16.33%
• 1Y: 34.04%
• 3Y*: 18.62%
• 5Y*: 9.28%
• 10Y*: 10.01%

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

VWNEX vs. VTSNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWNEX Vanguard Windsor Fund Admiral Shares	7.22%	13.40%	9.64%	15.11%	-3.05%	27.92%	7.45%	30.53%	-12.39%	18.19%
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	15.62%	32.24%	5.38%	15.29%	-15.99%	8.64%	11.27%	21.69%	-14.41%	27.54%

Correlation

The correlation between VWNEX and VTSNX is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2011	0.80

The correlation between VWNEX and VTSNX shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (1 year) to 0.80 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VWNEX vs. VTSNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWNEX

VWNEX Risk / Return Rank: 43
VWNEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VWNEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VWNEX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VWNEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VWNEX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VTSNX

VTSNX Risk / Return Rank: 64
VTSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VTSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VTSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
VTSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

VWNEX vs. VTSNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Windsor Fund Admiral Shares (VWNEX) and Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX). 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.

	VWNEX	VTSNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	2.20	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.97	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.41	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	2.94	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.32	11.45	-2.13

VWNEX vs. VTSNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWNEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is comparable to the VTSNX Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWNEX and VTSNX, 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

VWNEX vs. VTSNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWNEX drawdown since its inception was -61.41%, which is greater than VTSNX's maximum drawdown of -35.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWNEX and VTSNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWNEX	VTSNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.41%	-35.72%	-25.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.89%	-11.29%	+3.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.72%	-13.14%	-8.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.72%	-29.50%	+7.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.12%	-35.72%	-4.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.89%	0.00%	-1.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.84%	-8.08%	-1.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	2.90%	-0.68%

Volatility

VWNEX vs. VTSNX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Windsor Fund Admiral Shares (VWNEX) is 3.85%, while Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTSNX) has a volatility of 6.12%. This indicates that VWNEX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTSNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VWNEX	VTSNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.85%	6.12%	-2.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.07%	13.05%	-3.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.49%	15.09%	-2.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.34%	15.21%	+2.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.65%	15.97%	+3.68%

VWNEX vs. VTSNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWNEX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VTSNX's 0.08% 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

VWNEX vs. VTSNX - Dividend Comparison

VWNEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.27%, more than VTSNX's 2.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTSNX Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares	2.52%	3.17%	3.36%	3.24%	3.08%	3.08%	2.13%	3.16%	3.19%	2.75%	2.95%	2.86%
VWNEX Vanguard Windsor Fund Admiral Shares	7.27%	7.90%	12.60%	8.34%	15.50%	11.57%	8.47%	10.36%	13.30%	3.56%	4.99%	8.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWNEX and VTSNX in my portfolio?

VWNEX and VTSNX have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VWNEX or VTSNX?

VTSNX has higher volatility (6.12%) compared to VWNEX (3.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWNEX dropped -61.41% vs VTSNX's -35.72%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.66), 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.