BBBS vs. VSDB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BBBS (Bondbloxx BBB Rated 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF) and VSDB (Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares) are both Short-Term Bond funds. BBBS is passively managed, while VSDB is actively managed. Over the past year, BBBS returned 4.65% vs 5.27% for VSDB. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BBBS charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VSDB.

Performance

BBBS vs. VSDB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bondbloxx BBB Rated 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF (BBBS) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BBBS achieves a 0.75% return, which is significantly lower than VSDB's 0.94% return.

BBBS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 0.75%
• 6M: 1.13%
• 1Y: 4.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VSDB

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 0.94%
• 6M: 1.35%
• 1Y: 5.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BBBS vs. VSDB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BBBS Bondbloxx BBB Rated 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF	0.75%	4.42%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	0.94%	4.85%

Correlation

The correlation between BBBS and VSDB is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2025	0.83

The correlation between BBBS and VSDB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BBBS vs. VSDB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBBS

BBBS Risk / Return Rank: 76
BBBS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
BBBS Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
BBBS Omega Ratio Rank: 82
BBBS Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
BBBS Martin Ratio Rank: 70

VSDB

VSDB Risk / Return Rank: 86
VSDB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
VSDB Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
VSDB Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VSDB Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VSDB Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

BBBS vs. VSDB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bondbloxx BBB Rated 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF (BBBS) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). 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.

	BBBS	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.50	3.04	-0.54
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.91	4.79	-0.88
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.63	-0.13
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	3.72	-0.50
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.15	16.38	-3.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BBBS vs. VSDB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBBS Sharpe Ratio is 2.50, which is comparable to the VSDB Sharpe Ratio of 3.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBBS and VSDB, 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

	BBBS	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.50	3.04	-0.54
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.36	2.65	-0.29

Drawdowns

BBBS vs. VSDB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBBS drawdown since its inception was -1.45%, roughly equal to the maximum VSDB drawdown of -1.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBBS and VSDB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBBS	VSDB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.45%	-1.42%	-0.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.45%	-1.42%	-0.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.22%	-0.16%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.28%	-0.19%	-0.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.35%	0.32%	+0.03%

Volatility

BBBS vs. VSDB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bondbloxx BBB Rated 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF (BBBS) is 0.49%, while Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) has a volatility of 0.55%. This indicates that BBBS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSDB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBBS	VSDB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.49%	0.55%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.36%	1.35%	+0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87%	1.75%	+0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.24%	1.90%	+0.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.24%	1.90%	+0.34%

BBBS vs. VSDB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBBS has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than VSDB's 0.15% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BBBS vs. VSDB - Dividend Comparison

BBBS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.58%, more than VSDB's 4.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BBBS Bondbloxx BBB Rated 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF	4.58%	4.55%	4.31%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	4.17%	3.30%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBBS and VSDB in my portfolio?

BBBS and VSDB have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BBBS or VSDB?

VSDB has higher volatility (0.55%) compared to BBBS (0.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBBS dropped -1.45% vs VSDB's -1.42%.

Which ETF is better, BBBS or VSDB?

On 1-year performance, VSDB leads with 5.27% vs 4.65% for BBBS. On fees, VSDB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BBBS or VSDB?

Over the 1-year period, VSDB has performed better with a 5.27% return vs 4.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BBBS or VSDB?

VSDB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for BBBS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BBBS or VSDB?

BBBS has the higher dividend yield at 4.58%, compared with 4.17% for VSDB.

What is the main difference between BBBS and VSDB?

They also come from different issuers: BondBloxx and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for BBBS and 0.15% for VSDB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSDB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 vs 2.50), 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.