BOAT vs. VBIL

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

BOAT (SonicShares Global Shipping ETF) and VBIL (Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BOAT is a Transportation Equities fund tracking the Solactive Global Shipping Index, while VBIL is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg US Treasury Bills 0-3 Months Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BOAT returned 47.26% vs 3.89% for VBIL. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. BOAT charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBIL.

Performance

BOAT vs. VBIL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) and Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BOAT achieves a 30.95% return, which is significantly higher than VBIL's 1.67% return.

BOAT

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: -5.13%
• YTD: 30.95%
• 6M: 34.26%
• 1Y: 47.26%
• 3Y*: 26.49%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VBIL

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 1.67%
• 6M: 1.79%
• 1Y: 3.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BOAT vs. VBIL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BOAT SonicShares Global Shipping ETF	30.95%	22.18%
VBIL Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF	1.67%	3.73%

Correlation

The correlation between BOAT and VBIL is -0.11, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2025	-0.04

Return for Risk

BOAT vs. VBIL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BOAT

BOAT Risk / Return Rank: 73
BOAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
BOAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
BOAT Omega Ratio Rank: 68
BOAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
BOAT Martin Ratio Rank: 68

VBIL

VBIL Risk / Return Rank: 100
VBIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VBIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
VBIL Omega Ratio Rank: 100
VBIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
VBIL Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

BOAT vs. VBIL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) and Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BOAT	VBIL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.29	17.96	-15.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.05	112.58	-109.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	39.92	-38.54
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.90	298.50	-294.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.92	1,822.09	-1,810.17

BOAT vs. VBIL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BOAT Sharpe Ratio is 2.29, which is lower than the VBIL Sharpe Ratio of 17.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BOAT and VBIL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BOAT vs. VBIL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BOAT drawdown since its inception was -33.94%, which is greater than VBIL's maximum drawdown of -0.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BOAT and VBIL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BOAT	VBIL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.94%	-0.09%	-33.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.60%	-0.01%	-11.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.94%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.83%	0.00%	-5.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.65%	-0.00%	-9.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.81%	0.00%	+3.81%

Volatility

BOAT vs. VBIL - Volatility Comparison

SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) has a higher volatility of 6.49% compared to Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL) at 0.05%. This indicates that BOAT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBIL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BOAT	VBIL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.49%	0.05%	+6.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.61%	0.16%	+15.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.72%	0.25%	+19.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.06%	0.30%	+24.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.06%	0.30%	+24.76%

BOAT vs. VBIL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BOAT has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than VBIL's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

BOAT vs. VBIL - Dividend Comparison

BOAT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.26%, more than VBIL's 3.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BOAT SonicShares Global Shipping ETF	6.26%	8.08%	13.89%	13.65%	13.57%	1.36%
VBIL Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF	3.65%	3.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BOAT and VBIL in my portfolio?

BOAT and VBIL have a correlation of -0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BOAT or VBIL?

BOAT has higher volatility (6.49%) compared to VBIL (0.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BOAT dropped -33.94% vs VBIL's -0.09%.

Which ETF is better, BOAT or VBIL?

On 1-year performance, BOAT leads with 47.26% vs 3.89% for VBIL. On fees, VBIL is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VBIL has been the lower-risk option at 0.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BOAT or VBIL?

Over the 1-year period, BOAT has performed better with a 47.26% return vs 3.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BOAT or VBIL?

VBIL is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BOAT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BOAT or VBIL?

BOAT has the higher dividend yield at 6.26%, compared with 3.65% for VBIL.

What is the main difference between BOAT and VBIL?

BOAT is categorized as Transportation Equities, while VBIL is Ultrashort Bond. BOAT tracks Solactive Global Shipping Index, while VBIL tracks Bloomberg US Treasury Bills 0-3 Months Index. They also come from different issuers: Tidal Investments and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BOAT and 0.07% for VBIL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBIL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (17.96 vs 2.29), 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.