BCOIX vs. VCOBX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BCOIX (Baird Core Plus Bond Fund) and VCOBX (Vanguard Core Bond Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - BCOIX is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund managed by Baird, while VCOBX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, BCOIX returned 2.41%/yr vs 2.17%/yr for VCOBX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BCOIX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VCOBX.

Performance

BCOIX vs. VCOBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baird Core Plus Bond Fund (BCOIX) and Vanguard Core Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCOBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BCOIX achieves a 0.25% return, which is significantly lower than VCOBX's 0.43% return. Over the past 10 years, BCOIX has outperformed VCOBX with an annualized return of 2.41%, while VCOBX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.17% annualized return.

BCOIX

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 0.25%
• 6M: 0.47%
• 1Y: 4.82%
• 3Y*: 4.83%
• 5Y*: 0.72%
• 10Y*: 2.41%

VCOBX

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 0.43%
• 6M: 0.52%
• 1Y: 4.91%
• 3Y*: 4.84%
• 5Y*: 0.55%
• 10Y*: 2.17%

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

BCOIX vs. VCOBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BCOIX Baird Core Plus Bond Fund	0.25%	7.47%	2.54%	6.89%	-12.86%	-1.02%	8.80%	10.11%	-0.52%	4.65%
VCOBX Vanguard Core Bond Fund Admiral Shares	0.43%	7.73%	2.21%	6.39%	-13.13%	-1.51%	10.41%	9.64%	-0.85%	3.89%

Correlation

The correlation between BCOIX and VCOBX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2016	0.96

The correlation between BCOIX and VCOBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BCOIX vs. VCOBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BCOIX

BCOIX Risk / Return Rank: 28
BCOIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
BCOIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
BCOIX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
BCOIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
BCOIX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VCOBX

VCOBX Risk / Return Rank: 28
VCOBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VCOBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
VCOBX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
VCOBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VCOBX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

BCOIX vs. VCOBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baird Core Plus Bond Fund (BCOIX) and Vanguard Core Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCOBX). 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.

	BCOIX	VCOBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	1.52	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	2.26	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.27	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	2.13	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.25	6.33	-0.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BCOIX vs. VCOBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BCOIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is comparable to the VCOBX Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BCOIX and VCOBX, 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

	BCOIX	VCOBX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.47	1.52	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.13	0.10	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	0.46	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.07	0.48	+0.59

Drawdowns

BCOIX vs. VCOBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BCOIX drawdown since its inception was -18.13%, roughly equal to the maximum VCOBX drawdown of -18.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BCOIX and VCOBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BCOIX	VCOBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.13%	-18.14%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.58%	-2.62%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.61%	-5.63%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.13%	-18.03%	-0.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.13%	-18.14%	+0.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.44%	-1.41%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.19%	-4.18%	+1.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.87%	0.88%	-0.01%

Volatility

BCOIX vs. VCOBX - Volatility Comparison

Baird Core Plus Bond Fund (BCOIX) and Vanguard Core Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCOBX) have volatilities of 1.30% and 1.29%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BCOIX	VCOBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.30%	1.29%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.67%	2.63%	+0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.71%	3.67%	+0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.64%	5.78%	-0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.67%	4.76%	-0.09%

BCOIX vs. VCOBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BCOIX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VCOBX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

BCOIX vs. VCOBX - Dividend Comparison

BCOIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.36%, less than VCOBX's 4.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BCOIX Baird Core Plus Bond Fund	4.36%	4.21%	4.13%	3.58%	3.10%	2.96%	3.51%	2.96%	3.13%	2.83%	3.01%	2.84%
VCOBX Vanguard Core Bond Fund Admiral Shares	4.74%	4.80%	5.04%	4.44%	3.01%	1.23%	3.09%	3.08%	3.10%	2.20%	2.29%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BCOIX and VCOBX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, BCOIX and VCOBX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, BCOIX or VCOBX?

BCOIX has higher volatility (1.30%) compared to VCOBX (1.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BCOIX dropped -18.13% vs VCOBX's -18.14%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCOBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.47), 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.