VTIAX vs VTWAX

Quick Verdict

VTIAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTWAX offers more diversification with 9790 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: VTIAXMore Diversified: VTWAX

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVTIAXVTWAXWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.09%
AUM$104.1B$12.1B
Dividend Yield2.52%1.55%
Holdings8,76210,039
YTD Return+13.13%+13.00%
1Y Return+25.13%+23.28%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.09%+17.68%
5Y Return (annualized)+5.76%+8.84%
Volatility (annualized)15.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-32.4%-28.0%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 29, 2010Feb 7, 2019

VTIAX vs VTWAX Performance

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral (VTIAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund Admiral Class (VTWAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTIAX returned +25.13% while VTWAX returned +23.28%. Year to date, VTIAX is up 13.13% versus a gain of 13.00% for VTWAX.

Over three years, VTIAX compounded at +15.09% per year against +17.68% for VTWAX; over five years the annualized figures are +5.76% and +8.84% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTWAX has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +5.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTIAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 15.3% for VTWAX. 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 -28.0% for VTWAX. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VTIAX charges 0.09% per year while VTWAX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually. On income, VTIAX currently yields 2.52% against 1.55% for VTWAX.

Holdings Overlap

29.4%overlap

VTIAX and VTWAX share 7872 holdings out of 10416 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VTIAXWeight in VTWAXDifference
2330:TW3.24%1.25%1.99%
ASML:AS1.36%0.52%0.84%
0700:KY1.15%0.44%0.71%
9988:HKProProPro
000660:KRProProPro
HSBA:LNProProPro
NOVN:SMProProPro
AZN:LNProProPro
ROG:SMProProPro
7203:JPProProPro
See all 10 holdings VTIAX shares with VTWAX
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VTIAX or VTWAX?

VTIAX has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTWAX charges 0.09%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VTIAX or VTWAX?

Over the past year VTIAX returned +25.13% vs +23.28% for VTWAX, so VTIAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTIAX annualized +5.76% vs +8.84% for VTWAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VTIAX or VTWAX?

VTIAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTWAX. Worst drawdown: VTIAX -32.4% vs VTWAX -28.0%.

Should I hold both VTIAX and VTWAX?

VTIAX and VTWAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between VTIAX and VTWAX?

VTIAX and VTWAX share 7872 common holdings with a 29.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 10416 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VTIAX or VTWAX?

VTIAX yields 2.52% while VTWAX yields 1.55%, so VTIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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