CPLS vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CPLS (AB Core Plus Bond ETF) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CPLS returned 4.59% vs 5.30% for VPLS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. CPLS charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

CPLS vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CPLS achieves a 0.47% return, which is significantly lower than VPLS's 0.80% return.

CPLS

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 0.47%
• 6M: 0.56%
• 1Y: 4.59%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPLS

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 0.80%
• 6M: 0.89%
• 1Y: 5.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CPLS vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF	0.47%	6.91%	1.65%	2.13%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.80%	7.86%	2.72%	2.81%

Correlation

The correlation between CPLS and VPLS is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2023	0.96

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

Return for Risk

CPLS vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPLS

CPLS Risk / Return Rank: 35
CPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
CPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
CPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 32
CPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
CPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 37

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 42
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

CPLS vs. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). 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.

	CPLS	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	1.48	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.80	2.19	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.26	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	1.96	-0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.58	6.12	-0.54

CPLS vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is comparable to the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPLS and VPLS, 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

CPLS vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPLS drawdown since its inception was -4.43%, which is greater than VPLS's maximum drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPLS and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPLS	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.43%	-4.17%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.47%	-2.72%	+0.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.09%	-1.06%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.23%	-1.01%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.82%	0.87%	-0.05%

Volatility

CPLS vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS) has a higher volatility of 1.09% compared to Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) at 0.96%. This indicates that CPLS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPLS	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.09%	0.96%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.96%	2.76%	+0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.87%	3.61%	+0.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.84%	4.59%	+0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.84%	4.59%	+0.25%

CPLS vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPLS has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than VPLS's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPLS vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

CPLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.61%, less than VPLS's 4.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF	4.61%	4.66%	4.71%	0.23%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.75%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPLS and VPLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, CPLS and VPLS 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, CPLS or VPLS?

CPLS has higher volatility (1.09%) compared to VPLS (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPLS dropped -4.43% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which ETF is better, CPLS or VPLS?

On 1-year performance, VPLS leads with 5.30% vs 4.59% for CPLS. On fees, VPLS is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, VPLS has been the lower-risk option at 0.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPLS or VPLS?

Over the 1-year period, VPLS has performed better with a 5.30% return vs 4.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPLS or VPLS?

VPLS is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for CPLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CPLS or VPLS?

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.75%, compared with 4.61% for CPLS.

What is the main difference between CPLS and VPLS?

They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for CPLS and 0.20% for VPLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.19), 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.