COAL vs. VUSB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

COAL (Range Global Coal Index ETF) and VUSB (Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - COAL is a Energy Equities fund tracking the VettaFi Global Coal Index, while VUSB is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. COAL is passively managed, while VUSB is actively managed. Over the past year, COAL returned 68.37% vs 4.59% for VUSB. At a 0.02 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. COAL charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VUSB.

Performance

COAL vs. VUSB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Range Global Coal Index ETF (COAL) 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, COAL achieves a 21.77% return, which is significantly higher than VUSB's 1.39% return.

COAL

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 8.24%
• YTD: 21.77%
• 6M: 24.50%
• 1Y: 68.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUSB

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 1.39%
• 6M: 1.76%
• 1Y: 4.59%
• 3Y*: 5.34%
• 5Y*: 3.43%
• 10Y*: —

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

COAL vs. VUSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
COAL Range Global Coal Index ETF	21.77%	12.65%	-16.01%
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.39%	5.20%	5.43%

Correlation

The correlation between COAL and VUSB is -0.06, 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	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 25, 2024	0.02

COAL vs. VUSB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	COAL	VUSB
Energy	50.3%	-
Basic Materials	43.2%	-
Industrials	6.6%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	0.2%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

COAL vs. VUSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

COAL

COAL Risk / Return Rank: 70
COAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
COAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
COAL Omega Ratio Rank: 63
COAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
COAL Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

COAL vs. VUSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Range Global Coal Index ETF (COAL) 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.

	COAL	VUSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	7.10	-4.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.15	13.16	-10.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	3.44	-2.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.46	12.43	-7.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.51	71.97	-61.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

COAL vs. VUSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current COAL Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is lower than the VUSB Sharpe Ratio of 7.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of COAL 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

	COAL	VUSB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.34	7.10	-4.76
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	4.14	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.23	4.09	-3.87

Drawdowns

COAL vs. VUSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum COAL drawdown since its inception was -42.29%, which is greater than VUSB's maximum drawdown of -1.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for COAL and VUSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	COAL	VUSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.29%	-1.79%	-40.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.42%	-0.37%	-15.05%
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	-2.20%	-0.02%	-2.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.14%	-0.27%	-13.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.52%	0.06%	+6.46%

Volatility

COAL vs. VUSB - Volatility Comparison

Range Global Coal Index ETF (COAL) has a higher volatility of 10.59% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB) at 0.18%. This indicates that COAL'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

	COAL	VUSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.59%	0.18%	+10.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.26%	0.52%	+20.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.39%	0.65%	+28.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.60%	0.83%	+26.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.60%	0.82%	+26.78%

COAL vs. VUSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

COAL has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than VUSB's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

COAL vs. VUSB - Dividend Comparison

COAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.16%, less than VUSB's 4.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
COAL Range Global Coal Index ETF	2.16%	2.63%	1.80%	0.00%	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 COAL and VUSB in my portfolio?

COAL and VUSB have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, COAL or VUSB?

COAL has higher volatility (10.59%) compared to VUSB (0.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, COAL dropped -42.29% vs VUSB's -1.79%.

Which ETF is better, COAL or VUSB?

On 1-year performance, COAL leads with 68.37% vs 4.59% for VUSB. On fees, VUSB is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VUSB has been the lower-risk option at 0.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, COAL or VUSB?

Over the 1-year period, COAL has performed better with a 68.37% return vs 4.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, COAL or VUSB?

VUSB is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for COAL.

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

VUSB has the higher dividend yield at 4.39%, compared with 2.16% for COAL.

What is the main difference between COAL and VUSB?

COAL is categorized as Energy Equities, while VUSB is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for COAL and 0.10% for VUSB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (7.10 vs 2.34), 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.