BUCK vs. VGSH

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

BUCK (Simplify Treasury Option Income ETF) and VGSH (Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds. BUCK is actively managed, while VGSH is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BUCK returned 5.21%/yr vs 4.22%/yr for VGSH. At a 0.05 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BUCK charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VGSH.

Performance

BUCK vs. VGSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Treasury Option Income ETF (BUCK) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUCK achieves a 2.42% return, which is significantly higher than VGSH's 0.72% return.

BUCK

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.34%
• 6M: 2.14%
• YTD: 2.42%
• 1Y: 7.20%
• 3Y*: 5.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGSH

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.15%
• 6M: 0.67%
• YTD: 0.72%
• 1Y: 3.15%
• 3Y*: 4.22%
• 5Y*: 1.88%
• 10Y*: 1.74%

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

BUCK vs. VGSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUCK Simplify Treasury Option Income ETF	2.42%	4.13%	7.25%	4.63%	0.59%
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	0.72%	5.07%	4.00%	4.31%	0.54%

Correlation

The correlation between BUCK and VGSH is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 28, 2022	0.05

Return for Risk

BUCK vs. VGSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUCK

BUCK Risk / Return Rank: 95
BUCK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
BUCK Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
BUCK Omega Ratio Rank: 95
BUCK Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
BUCK Martin Ratio Rank: 98

VGSH

VGSH Risk / Return Rank: 89
VGSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
VGSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
VGSH Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VGSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
VGSH Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

BUCK vs. VGSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Treasury Option Income ETF (BUCK) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH). 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.

	BUCK	VGSH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.59	2.38	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.92	3.79	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.49	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.64	3.58	+5.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	40.50	13.81	+26.69

BUCK vs. VGSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUCK Sharpe Ratio is 2.59, which is comparable to the VGSH Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUCK and VGSH, 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

BUCK vs. VGSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUCK drawdown since its inception was -5.43%, roughly equal to the maximum VGSH drawdown of -5.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUCK and VGSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUCK	VGSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.43%	-5.70%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.84%	-0.88%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.43%	-0.97%	-4.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-5.66%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-5.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-0.07%	+0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.48%	-0.60%	+0.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.18%	0.23%	-0.05%

Volatility

BUCK vs. VGSH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify Treasury Option Income ETF (BUCK) is 0.44%, while Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) has a volatility of 0.49%. This indicates that BUCK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGSH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUCK	VGSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.44%	0.49%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.34%	1.00%	+0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.80%	1.33%	+1.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.44%	1.98%	+1.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.44%	1.58%	+1.86%

BUCK vs. VGSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUCK has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VGSH's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUCK vs. VGSH - Dividend Comparison

BUCK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.29%, more than VGSH's 3.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUCK Simplify Treasury Option Income ETF	7.29%	7.59%	8.84%	4.84%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	3.85%	4.00%	4.18%	3.31%	1.15%	0.66%	1.74%	2.28%	1.79%	1.10%	0.84%	0.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUCK and VGSH in my portfolio?

BUCK and VGSH have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUCK or VGSH?

VGSH has higher volatility (0.49%) compared to BUCK (0.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUCK dropped -5.43% vs VGSH's -5.70%.

Which ETF is better, BUCK or VGSH?

On 3-year performance, BUCK leads with 5.21% vs 4.22% for VGSH. On fees, VGSH is cheaper at 0.03% 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, BUCK or VGSH?

Over the 3-year period, BUCK has performed better with a 5.21% return vs 4.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUCK or VGSH?

VGSH is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for BUCK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUCK or VGSH?

BUCK has the higher dividend yield at 7.29%, compared with 3.85% for VGSH.

What is the main difference between BUCK and VGSH?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BUCK and 0.03% for VGSH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUCK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.59 vs 2.38), 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.