EMNT vs. VGUS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EMNT (PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ESG ETF) and VGUS (Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds. EMNT is actively managed, while VGUS is passively managed. Over the past year, EMNT returned 4.25% vs 3.85% for VGUS. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EMNT charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VGUS.

Performance

EMNT vs. VGUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ESG ETF (EMNT) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMNT achieves a 1.80% return, which is significantly higher than VGUS's 1.61% return.

EMNT

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 1.80%
• 6M: 1.89%
• 1Y: 4.25%
• 3Y*: 5.20%
• 5Y*: 3.47%
• 10Y*: —

VGUS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 1.61%
• 6M: 1.69%
• 1Y: 3.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EMNT vs. VGUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
EMNT PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ESG ETF	1.80%	4.12%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	1.61%	3.78%

Correlation

The correlation between EMNT and VGUS is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2025	0.28

Return for Risk

EMNT vs. VGUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMNT

EMNT Risk / Return Rank: 99
EMNT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
EMNT Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
EMNT Omega Ratio Rank: 99
EMNT Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
EMNT Martin Ratio Rank: 99

VGUS

VGUS Risk / Return Rank: 99
VGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

EMNT vs. VGUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ESG ETF (EMNT) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). 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.

	EMNT	VGUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	9.42	11.84	-2.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	16.80	34.08	-17.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	4.69	10.49	-5.80
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	32.47	53.13	-20.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	201.38	402.18	-200.81

EMNT vs. VGUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMNT Sharpe Ratio is 9.42, which is comparable to the VGUS Sharpe Ratio of 11.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMNT and VGUS, 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

EMNT vs. VGUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMNT drawdown since its inception was -2.28%, which is greater than VGUS's maximum drawdown of -0.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMNT and VGUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMNT	VGUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.28%	-0.07%	-2.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.13%	-0.07%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.73%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-1.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	0.00%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.23%	-0.00%	-0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.02%	0.01%	+0.01%

Volatility

EMNT vs. VGUS - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ESG ETF (EMNT) has a higher volatility of 0.21% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS) at 0.11%. This indicates that EMNT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMNT	VGUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.21%	0.11%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.39%	0.18%	+0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45%	0.33%	+0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.83%	0.34%	+0.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.86%	0.34%	+0.52%

EMNT vs. VGUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMNT has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is higher than VGUS's 0.07% 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

EMNT vs. VGUS - Dividend Comparison

EMNT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.00%, more than VGUS's 3.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
EMNT PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ESG ETF	4.00%	4.46%	5.14%	4.62%	2.79%	0.66%	1.44%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	3.60%	3.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMNT and VGUS in my portfolio?

EMNT and VGUS have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMNT or VGUS?

EMNT has higher volatility (0.21%) compared to VGUS (0.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMNT dropped -2.28% vs VGUS's -0.07%.

Which ETF is better, EMNT or VGUS?

On 1-year performance, EMNT leads with 4.25% vs 3.85% for VGUS. On fees, VGUS is cheaper at 0.07% 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, EMNT or VGUS?

Over the 1-year period, EMNT has performed better with a 4.25% return vs 3.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMNT or VGUS?

VGUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.24% for EMNT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EMNT or VGUS?

EMNT has the higher dividend yield at 4.00%, compared with 3.60% for VGUS.

What is the main difference between EMNT and VGUS?

They also come from different issuers: PIMCO and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.24% for EMNT and 0.07% for VGUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.84 vs 9.42), 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.