EUSB vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EUSB (iShares ESG Advanced Total USD Bond Market ETF) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. EUSB is passively managed, while VPLS is actively managed. Over the past year, EUSB returned 5.15% vs 5.91% for VPLS. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EUSB charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

EUSB vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Advanced Total USD Bond Market ETF (EUSB) 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, EUSB achieves a 0.13% return, which is significantly lower than VPLS's 0.64% return.

EUSB

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 0.13%
• 6M: 0.19%
• 1Y: 5.15%
• 3Y*: 4.27%
• 5Y*: 0.34%
• 10Y*: —

VPLS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 0.64%
• 6M: 0.57%
• 1Y: 5.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

EUSB vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EUSB iShares ESG Advanced Total USD Bond Market ETF	0.13%	7.45%	1.83%	2.16%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.64%	7.86%	2.72%	2.82%

Correlation

The correlation between EUSB 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 8, 2023	0.93

The correlation between EUSB and VPLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EUSB vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

EUSB

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

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 45
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

EUSB vs. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Advanced Total USD Bond Market ETF (EUSB) 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.

	EUSB	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	1.63	-0.17
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	2.42	-0.23
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.29	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	2.18	-0.09
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.26	7.10	-0.84
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EUSB vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EUSB Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is comparable to the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EUSB 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EUSB	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45	1.63	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.06	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.04	1.24	-1.19

Drawdowns

EUSB vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EUSB drawdown since its inception was -17.87%, which is greater than VPLS's maximum drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EUSB and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	EUSB	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.87%	-4.17%	-13.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.48%	-2.72%	+0.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.76%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.45%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-1.21%	-0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.50%	-1.01%	-5.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.82%	0.83%	-0.01%

Volatility

EUSB vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG Advanced Total USD Bond Market ETF (EUSB) is 1.17%, while Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) has a volatility of 1.27%. This indicates that EUSB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VPLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EUSB	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.17%	1.27%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.49%	2.69%	-0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.57%	3.65%	-0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.77%	4.61%	+1.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.41%	4.61%	+0.80%

EUSB vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

EUSB has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than VPLS's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

EUSB vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

EUSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.97%, less than VPLS's 4.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
EUSB iShares ESG Advanced Total USD Bond Market ETF	3.97%	3.84%	3.67%	3.08%	2.21%	1.10%	0.57%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.76%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EUSB and VPLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, EUSB 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, EUSB or VPLS?

VPLS has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to EUSB (1.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EUSB dropped -17.87% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which ETF is better, EUSB or VPLS?

On 1-year performance, VPLS leads with 5.91% vs 5.15% for EUSB. On fees, EUSB is cheaper at 0.12% 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, EUSB or VPLS?

Over the 1-year period, VPLS has performed better with a 5.91% return vs 5.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EUSB or VPLS?

EUSB is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for VPLS.

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

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.76%, compared with 3.97% for EUSB.

What is the main difference between EUSB and VPLS?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for EUSB and 0.20% for VPLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.63 vs 1.45), 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.