Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares: The Essential Guide

Overview

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTIAX) is a widely diversified, passively managed index fund that provides exposure to the international equity markets. The fund tracks the FTSE Total World ex-US Index, which includes companies from over 50 countries outside the United States.

Key Features

• Low cost: VTIAX has an expense ratio of just 0.09%, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to invest in international stocks.
• Broad diversification: The fund's wide range of holdings reduces the risk associated with investing in any single country or industry.
• High correlation with global markets: VTIAX has a correlation of approximately 0.95 with the MSCI World ex-US Index, indicating that it closely tracks the performance of the global stock market.

Performance History

VTIAX has a solid long-term performance record. Over the past 10 years, the fund has returned an average of 8.08% per year, outperforming the MSCI World ex-US Index by 0.11% per year.

Risk and Returns

As with any investment, there is some risk involved in investing in VTIAX. The fund's value can fluctuate with changes in the global stock market. However, the fund's broad diversification helps to reduce the risk compared to investing in individual international stocks.

Suitable for Long-Term Investors

VTIAX is suitable for long-term investors who are looking for a low-cost, diversified way to invest in the international equity markets. The fund's low expense ratio and strong performance history make it an attractive option for investors who are saving for retirement or other long-term goals.

How to Invest in VTIAX

VTIAX is available through Vanguard and other major brokerage firms. Investors can purchase shares of the fund through a brokerage account or through a direct investment plan with Vanguard.

Tips for Investing in VTIAX

• Consider your risk tolerance: VTIAX is a good option for investors who are comfortable with the risks associated with investing in international stocks.
• Diversify your portfolio: VTIAX can be part of a well-diversified portfolio that also includes domestic stocks, bonds, and other asset classes.
• Rebalance your portfolio regularly: Rebalancing your portfolio involves adjusting the allocation of your investments to your target asset allocation. This can help to ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your investment goals.

Conclusion

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares is a low-cost, diversified, and well-performing index fund that provides exposure to the international equity markets. The fund is suitable for long-term investors who are looking for a way to diversify their portfolios and gain exposure to growth opportunities outside the United States.

Additional Information

Historical Performance Data

The following table shows the historical performance of VTIAX over different time periods.

Geographical Exposure

The following table shows the geographical exposure of VTIAX as of March 31, 2023.

Sector Exposure

The following table shows the sector exposure of VTIAX as of March 31, 2023.

Top Holdings

The following table shows the top 10 holdings of VTIAX as of March 31, 2023.