VEA vs VTILX
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF vs Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional
Quick Verdict
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTILX offers more diversification with 7,415 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEA | VTILX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $230.3B | $141.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 4.19% | |
| Holdings | 3,886 | 7,415 | |
| YTD Return | +14.89% | -1.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.50% | -2.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.44% | -0.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.74% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -15.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2007 | Feb 17, 2021 |
VEA vs VTILX Performance
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional (VTILX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEA returned +27.50% while VTILX returned -2.85%. Year to date, VEA is up 14.89% versus a loss of 1.54% for VTILX.
Over three years, VEA compounded at +20.44% per year against -0.64% for VTILX. Across the full 5-year window we track, VEA has the edge at +3.07% annualized vs -2.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 6.0% for VTILX. 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 -62.9% for VEA and -15.3% for VTILX. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEA charges 0.03% per year while VTILX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $7 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEA currently yields 2.55% against 4.19% for VTILX.
Holdings Overlap
VEA and VTILX share 25 holdings out of 5178 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEA or VTILX?
VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTILX charges 0.07%. VEA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEA or VTILX?
Over the past year VEA returned +27.50% vs -2.85% for VTILX, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VEA annualized +3.07% vs -2.91% for VTILX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEA or VTILX?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 6.0% for VTILX. Worst drawdown: VEA -62.9% vs VTILX -15.3%.
Should I hold both VEA and VTILX?
VEA and VTILX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEA and VTILX?
VEA and VTILX share 25 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5178 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEA or VTILX?
VEA yields 2.55% while VTILX yields 4.19%, so VTILX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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