FOSIX vs. VBISX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FOSIX (Tributary Short-Intermediate Bond Fund) and VBISX (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, FOSIX returned 2.38%/yr vs 1.79%/yr for VBISX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FOSIX charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VBISX.

Performance

FOSIX vs. VBISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tributary Short-Intermediate Bond Fund (FOSIX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FOSIX achieves a 0.61% return, which is significantly higher than VBISX's 0.26% return. Over the past 10 years, FOSIX has outperformed VBISX with an annualized return of 2.38%, while VBISX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.79% annualized return.

FOSIX

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 0.61%
• 6M: 0.97%
• 1Y: 3.78%
• 3Y*: 5.28%
• 5Y*: 2.47%
• 10Y*: 2.38%

VBISX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -0.06%
• YTD: 0.26%
• 6M: 0.59%
• 1Y: 3.64%
• 3Y*: 4.14%
• 5Y*: 1.42%
• 10Y*: 1.79%

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

FOSIX vs. VBISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FOSIX Tributary Short-Intermediate Bond Fund	0.61%	5.86%	5.47%	5.81%	-4.44%	-0.65%	3.97%	4.35%	1.01%	2.17%
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund	0.26%	5.67%	3.66%	4.54%	-5.61%	-1.35%	4.63%	4.78%	1.27%	1.10%

Correlation

The correlation between FOSIX and VBISX is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 1, 1994	0.78

The correlation between FOSIX and VBISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FOSIX vs. VBISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FOSIX

FOSIX Risk / Return Rank: 62
FOSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
FOSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FOSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
FOSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
FOSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VBISX

VBISX Risk / Return Rank: 37
VBISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VBISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VBISX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VBISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VBISX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

FOSIX vs. VBISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tributary Short-Intermediate Bond Fund (FOSIX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX). 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.

	FOSIX	VBISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	1.59	+0.34
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.44	2.67	+0.77
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.32	+0.13
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	2.57	+0.64
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.57	8.32	+4.25
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FOSIX vs. VBISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FOSIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the VBISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FOSIX and VBISX, 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

	FOSIX	VBISX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.93	1.59	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.09	0.48	+0.61
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.22	0.75	+0.47
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.35	1.34	0.00

Drawdowns

FOSIX vs. VBISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FOSIX drawdown since its inception was -6.58%, smaller than the maximum VBISX drawdown of -8.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FOSIX and VBISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FOSIX	VBISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.58%	-8.79%	+2.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.31%	-1.54%	+0.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.31%	-1.55%	+0.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-6.57%	-8.72%	+2.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-6.58%	-8.79%	+2.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.22%	-0.66%	+0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.82%	-0.87%	+0.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.34%	0.48%	-0.14%

Volatility

FOSIX vs. VBISX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Tributary Short-Intermediate Bond Fund (FOSIX) is 0.61%, while Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX) has a volatility of 0.69%. This indicates that FOSIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FOSIX	VBISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.61%	0.69%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.50%	1.62%	-0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98%	2.24%	-0.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.27%	2.94%	-0.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.95%	2.39%	-0.44%

FOSIX vs. VBISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FOSIX has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than VBISX's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

FOSIX vs. VBISX - Dividend Comparison

FOSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.19%, more than VBISX's 3.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FOSIX Tributary Short-Intermediate Bond Fund	4.19%	4.36%	4.30%	2.86%	2.30%	1.81%	2.19%	2.41%	2.20%	2.26%	2.04%	1.34%
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund	3.90%	3.44%	3.29%	2.10%	1.38%	1.16%	1.72%	2.16%	1.92%	1.58%	1.42%	1.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FOSIX and VBISX in my portfolio?

FOSIX and VBISX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FOSIX or VBISX?

VBISX has higher volatility (0.69%) compared to FOSIX (0.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FOSIX dropped -6.58% vs VBISX's -8.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FOSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 1.59), 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.