BUXX vs. VUSB

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

BUXX (Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF) and VUSB (Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BUXX returned 4.35% vs 4.47% for VUSB. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BUXX charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VUSB.

Performance

BUXX vs. VUSB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF (BUXX) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUXX achieves a 1.61% return, which is significantly higher than VUSB's 1.31% return.

BUXX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 1.61%
• 6M: 1.99%
• 1Y: 4.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUSB

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 1.31%
• 6M: 1.71%
• 1Y: 4.47%
• 3Y*: 5.32%
• 5Y*: 3.42%
• 10Y*: —

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

BUXX vs. VUSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BUXX Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF	1.61%	4.84%	6.18%	2.89%
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.31%	5.20%	5.68%	2.73%

Correlation

The correlation between BUXX and VUSB is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 11, 2023	0.37

Return for Risk

BUXX vs. VUSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUXX

BUXX Risk / Return Rank: 97
BUXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
BUXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
BUXX Omega Ratio Rank: 97
BUXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
BUXX Martin Ratio Rank: 98

VUSB

VUSB Risk / Return Rank: 98
VUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
VUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

BUXX vs. VUSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF (BUXX) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB). 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.

	BUXX	VUSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.60	6.88	-3.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	6.09	12.44	-6.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.87	3.31	-1.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	14.85	12.12	+2.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	61.16	70.06	-8.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BUXX vs. VUSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUXX Sharpe Ratio is 3.60, which is lower than the VUSB Sharpe Ratio of 6.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUXX and VUSB, 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

	BUXX	VUSB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.60	6.88	-3.28
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	4.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.82	4.06	-0.24

Drawdowns

BUXX vs. VUSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUXX drawdown since its inception was -0.60%, smaller than the maximum VUSB drawdown of -1.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUXX and VUSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUXX	VUSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.60%	-1.79%	+1.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.29%	-0.37%	+0.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-1.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.10%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.05%	-0.27%	+0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.07%	0.06%	+0.01%

Volatility

BUXX vs. VUSB - Volatility Comparison

Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF (BUXX) has a higher volatility of 0.30% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB) at 0.20%. This indicates that BUXX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUSB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUXX	VUSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.30%	0.20%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.78%	0.53%	+0.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.22%	0.66%	+0.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.46%	0.83%	+0.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.46%	0.82%	+0.64%

BUXX vs. VUSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUXX has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is higher than VUSB's 0.10% 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

BUXX vs. VUSB - Dividend Comparison

BUXX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.73%, more than VUSB's 4.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BUXX Strive Enhanced Income Short Maturity ETF	4.73%	4.95%	5.55%	1.92%	0.00%	0.00%
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	4.39%	4.63%	5.16%	4.45%	1.56%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUXX and VUSB in my portfolio?

BUXX and VUSB have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUXX or VUSB?

BUXX has higher volatility (0.30%) compared to VUSB (0.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUXX dropped -0.60% vs VUSB's -1.79%.

Which ETF is better, BUXX or VUSB?

On 1-year performance, VUSB leads with 4.47% vs 4.35% for BUXX. On fees, VUSB is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VUSB has been the lower-risk option at 0.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUXX or VUSB?

Over the 1-year period, VUSB has performed better with a 4.47% return vs 4.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUXX or VUSB?

VUSB is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.26% for BUXX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUXX or VUSB?

BUXX has the higher dividend yield at 4.73%, compared with 4.39% for VUSB.

What is the main difference between BUXX and VUSB?

They also come from different issuers: Strive and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for BUXX and 0.10% for VUSB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.88 vs 3.60), 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.