VTIAX vs VTSAX

Quick Verdict

VTSAX has a lower expense ratio. VTIAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTIAX offers more diversification with 8498 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTSAXHigher Returns: VTIAXMore Diversified: VTIAX

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVTIAXVTSAXWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.04%
AUM$104.1B$489.0B
Dividend Yield2.52%1.04%
Holdings8,7623,543
YTD Return+10.81%+9.48%
1Y Return+23.78%+18.42%
3Y Return (annualized)+13.72%+17.39%
5Y Return (annualized)+5.28%+10.20%
Volatility (annualized)15.8%16.5%
Max Drawdown-32.4%-26.3%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 29, 2010Nov 13, 2000

VTIAX vs VTSAX Performance

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral (VTIAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTIAX returned +23.78% while VTSAX returned +18.42%. Year to date, VTIAX is up 10.81% versus a gain of 9.48% for VTSAX.

Over three years, VTIAX compounded at +13.72% per year against +17.39% for VTSAX; over five years the annualized figures are +5.28% and +10.20% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTSAX has the edge at +10.20% annualized vs +5.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTSAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% compared with 15.8% for VTIAX. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -32.4% for VTIAX and -26.3% for VTSAX. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VTIAX charges 0.09% per year while VTSAX charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTIAX currently yields 2.52% against 1.04% for VTSAX.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

VTIAX and VTSAX share 21 holdings out of 11205 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VTIAXWeight in VTSAXDifference
ORCL0.01%0.35%0.34%
WCN:CA0.10%0.06%0.04%
2345:TW0.04%0.10%0.06%
IRMProProPro
RBA:CAProProPro
SREProProPro
HALProProPro
BGProProPro
FBKProProPro
AMProProPro
See all 10 holdings VTIAX shares with VTSAX
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VTIAX or VTSAX?

VTIAX has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTSAX charges 0.04%. VTSAX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VTIAX or VTSAX?

Over the past year VTIAX returned +23.78% vs +18.42% for VTSAX, so VTIAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTIAX annualized +5.28% vs +10.20% for VTSAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VTIAX or VTSAX?

VTSAX has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.8% for VTIAX. Worst drawdown: VTIAX -32.4% vs VTSAX -26.3%.

Should I hold both VTIAX and VTSAX?

VTIAX and VTSAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VTIAX and VTSAX?

VTIAX and VTSAX share 21 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 11205 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VTIAX or VTSAX?

VTIAX yields 2.52% while VTSAX yields 1.04%, so VTIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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