VZICX vs. VEXRX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VZICX (Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares) and VEXRX (Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VZICX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VEXRX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, VZICX returned 10.82%/yr vs 6.50%/yr for VEXRX. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VZICX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for VEXRX.

Performance

VZICX vs. VEXRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares (VZICX) and Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VZICX achieves a 9.98% return, which is significantly lower than VEXRX's 12.04% return.

VZICX

• 1D: -3.87%
• 1M: -2.59%
• YTD: 9.98%
• 6M: 12.14%
• 1Y: 28.52%
• 3Y*: 21.24%
• 5Y*: 10.82%
• 10Y*: —

VEXRX

• 1D: -3.04%
• 1M: -0.37%
• YTD: 12.04%
• 6M: 10.30%
• 1Y: 23.66%
• 3Y*: 15.93%
• 5Y*: 6.50%
• 10Y*: 12.88%

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

VZICX vs. VEXRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VZICX Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares	9.98%	38.55%	8.74%	14.35%	-10.62%	11.85%	9.23%	7.37%
VEXRX Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares	12.04%	7.19%	17.40%	19.90%	-23.23%	16.07%	31.51%	9.06%

Correlation

The correlation between VZICX and VEXRX is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2019	0.73

The correlation between VZICX and VEXRX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VZICX vs. VEXRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VZICX

VZICX Risk / Return Rank: 49
VZICX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VZICX Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VZICX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VZICX Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VZICX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

VEXRX

VEXRX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VEXRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
VEXRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VEXRX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
VEXRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VEXRX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

VZICX vs. VEXRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares (VZICX) and Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX). 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.

	VZICX	VEXRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.45	+0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	2.08	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.25	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.70	2.47	+0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.55	9.59	+0.96
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VZICX vs. VEXRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VZICX Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is higher than the VEXRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VZICX and VEXRX, 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

	VZICX	VEXRX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	1.45	+0.48
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.31	+0.40
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.71	0.46	+0.25

Drawdowns

VZICX vs. VEXRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VZICX drawdown since its inception was -34.37%, smaller than the maximum VEXRX drawdown of -57.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VZICX and VEXRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VZICX	VEXRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.37%	-57.26%	+22.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.81%	-10.16%	-0.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.30%	-24.35%	+11.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.89%	-32.67%	+7.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.29%	-3.04%	-1.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.70%	-9.93%	+4.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	2.61%	+0.15%

Volatility

VZICX vs. VEXRX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares (VZICX) and Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares (VEXRX) have volatilities of 5.61% and 5.45%, 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

	VZICX	VEXRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.61%	5.45%	+0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.75%	13.02%	-0.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.08%	17.29%	-2.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.37%	21.34%	-5.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.97%	21.84%	-3.87%

VZICX vs. VEXRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VZICX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXRX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

VZICX vs. VEXRX - Dividend Comparison

VZICX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.01%, less than VEXRX's 6.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEXRX Vanguard Explorer Fund Admiral Shares	6.73%	7.54%	12.72%	0.89%	5.22%	16.17%	6.76%	5.08%	11.13%	11.46%	4.63%	10.89%
VZICX Vanguard International Core Stock Fund Admiral Shares	4.01%	4.41%	2.65%	2.20%	2.10%	4.37%	1.89%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VZICX and VEXRX in my portfolio?

VZICX and VEXRX have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VZICX or VEXRX?

VZICX has higher volatility (5.61%) compared to VEXRX (5.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VZICX dropped -34.37% vs VEXRX's -57.26%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VZICX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.45), 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.