FSIG vs. VSDB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FSIG (First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF) and VSDB (Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FSIG returned 4.26% vs 5.27% for VSDB. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSIG charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VSDB.

Performance

FSIG vs. VSDB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FSIG) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSIG achieves a 0.38% return, which is significantly lower than VSDB's 0.94% return.

FSIG

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 0.38%
• 6M: 0.81%
• 1Y: 4.26%
• 3Y*: 5.12%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VSDB

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 0.94%
• 6M: 1.35%
• 1Y: 5.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FSIG vs. VSDB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FSIG First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF	0.38%	4.66%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	0.94%	4.85%

Correlation

The correlation between FSIG and VSDB is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2025	0.74

The correlation between FSIG and VSDB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSIG vs. VSDB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSIG

FSIG Risk / Return Rank: 60
FSIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
FSIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
FSIG Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FSIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
FSIG Martin Ratio Rank: 63

VSDB

VSDB Risk / Return Rank: 86
VSDB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
VSDB Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
VSDB Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VSDB Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VSDB Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

FSIG vs. VSDB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FSIG) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). 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.

	FSIG	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	3.04	-1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	4.79	-1.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.63	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	3.72	-0.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.44	16.38	-4.93
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FSIG vs. VSDB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is lower than the VSDB Sharpe Ratio of 3.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSIG and VSDB, 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

	FSIG	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.89	3.04	-1.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.95	2.65	-1.70

Drawdowns

FSIG vs. VSDB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSIG drawdown since its inception was -6.88%, which is greater than VSDB's maximum drawdown of -1.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSIG and VSDB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSIG	VSDB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.88%	-1.42%	-5.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.55%	-1.42%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.55%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	-0.16%	-0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.67%	-0.19%	-1.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.37%	0.32%	+0.05%

Volatility

FSIG vs. VSDB - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FSIG) has a higher volatility of 0.83% compared to Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) at 0.55%. This indicates that FSIG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSDB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSIG	VSDB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.83%	0.55%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.81%	1.35%	+0.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26%	1.75%	+0.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.96%	1.90%	+1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.96%	1.90%	+1.06%

FSIG vs. VSDB - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSIG has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than VSDB's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSIG vs. VSDB - Dividend Comparison

FSIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.81%, more than VSDB's 4.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FSIG First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF	4.81%	4.73%	4.61%	4.42%	2.48%	0.12%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	4.17%	3.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSIG and VSDB in my portfolio?

FSIG and VSDB have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSIG or VSDB?

FSIG has higher volatility (0.83%) compared to VSDB (0.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSIG dropped -6.88% vs VSDB's -1.42%.

Which ETF is better, FSIG or VSDB?

On 1-year performance, VSDB leads with 5.27% vs 4.26% for FSIG. On fees, VSDB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, VSDB has been the lower-risk option at 0.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSIG or VSDB?

Over the 1-year period, VSDB has performed better with a 5.27% return vs 4.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSIG or VSDB?

VSDB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for FSIG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FSIG or VSDB?

FSIG has the higher dividend yield at 4.81%, compared with 4.17% for VSDB.

What is the main difference between FSIG and VSDB?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for FSIG and 0.15% for VSDB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSDB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 vs 1.89), 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.