CPLS vs. VPLS
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 1.48% vs 2.61% for VPLS. Their 0.96 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. CPLS charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.
Performance
CPLS vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, CPLS achieves a -0.70% return, which is significantly lower than VPLS's -0.07% return.
CPLS
- 1D
- -0.29%
- 1M
- -1.43%
- 6M
- -0.96%
- YTD
- -0.70%
- 1Y
- 1.48%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 3.77%
VPLS
- 1D
- -0.18%
- 1M
- -1.09%
- 6M
- -0.51%
- YTD
- -0.07%
- 1Y
- 2.61%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 5.02%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $270.39K | $481.99K | $439.72K | |
| $18.40M | $16.50M | $14.10M |
CPLS vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF | -0.70% | 6.91% | 1.65% | 2.13% |
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF | -0.07% | 7.86% | 2.72% | 2.81% |
Correlation
The correlation between CPLS and VPLS is 0.96 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 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.
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Return for Risk
CPLS vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank
CPLS
VPLS
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 ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.37 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.53 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.10 | 1.17 | -0.07 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.90 | 1.26 | -0.36 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.32 | 3.57 | -1.24 |
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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.
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Drawdown Indicators
| CPLS | VPLS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest 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 DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.24% | -1.91% | -0.33% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.24% | -1.02% | -0.22% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.95% | 0.96% | -0.01% |
Volatility
CPLS vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison
AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS) has a higher volatility of 1.05% compared to Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) at 0.94%. 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.
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Volatility by Period
| CPLS | VPLS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.05% | 0.94% | +0.11% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.11% | 2.85% | +0.26% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.81% | 3.58% | +0.23% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 4.80% | 4.55% | +0.25% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.80% | 4.55% | +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 4.67%, less than VPLS's 4.81% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF | 4.33% | 4.66% | 4.71% | 0.23% |
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF | 4.40% | 4.78% | 4.52% | 0.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
CPLS has higher volatility (1.05%) compared to VPLS (0.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPLS dropped -4.43% vs VPLS's -4.17%.
On 1-year performance, VPLS leads with 2.61% vs 1.48% for CPLS. On fees, VPLS is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, VPLS has been the lower-risk option at 0.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, VPLS has performed better with a 2.61% return vs 1.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VPLS is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for CPLS.
VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.40%, compared with 4.33% for CPLS.
They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for CPLS and 0.20% for VPLS.
VPLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.96 vs 0.58), 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.
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