HOSBX vs. VBISX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HOSBX (Homestead Funds Short Term Bond Fund) and VBISX (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, HOSBX returned 2.04%/yr vs 1.79%/yr for VBISX. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HOSBX charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VBISX.

Performance

HOSBX vs. VBISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Homestead Funds Short Term Bond Fund (HOSBX) 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, HOSBX achieves a 0.34% return, which is significantly higher than VBISX's 0.26% return. Over the past 10 years, HOSBX has outperformed VBISX with an annualized return of 2.04%, while VBISX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.79% annualized return.

HOSBX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 0.34%
• 6M: 0.65%
• 1Y: 3.85%
• 3Y*: 4.31%
• 5Y*: 1.59%
• 10Y*: 2.04%

VBISX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 0.26%
• 6M: 0.50%
• 1Y: 3.64%
• 3Y*: 4.14%
• 5Y*: 1.44%
• 10Y*: 1.79%

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

HOSBX vs. VBISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HOSBX Homestead Funds Short Term Bond Fund	0.34%	5.87%	3.78%	5.08%	-5.71%	-1.11%	5.38%	3.89%	1.45%	1.66%
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 HOSBX and VBISX is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 1, 1994	0.61

The correlation between HOSBX and VBISX shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (all time) to 0.83 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

HOSBX vs. VBISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HOSBX

HOSBX Risk / Return Rank: 40
HOSBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
HOSBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
HOSBX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
HOSBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
HOSBX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

VBISX

VBISX Risk / Return Rank: 37
VBISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
VBISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VBISX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VBISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
VBISX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

HOSBX vs. VBISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Homestead Funds Short Term Bond Fund (HOSBX) 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.

	HOSBX	VBISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	1.64	0.00
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	2.75	-0.25
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.33	+0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	2.37	+0.06
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.85	7.61	+1.24
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HOSBX vs. VBISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HOSBX Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is comparable to the VBISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HOSBX 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

	HOSBX	VBISX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.63	1.64	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.49	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85	0.75	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.57	1.34	+0.22

Drawdowns

HOSBX vs. VBISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HOSBX drawdown since its inception was -8.84%, roughly equal to the maximum VBISX drawdown of -8.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HOSBX and VBISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HOSBX	VBISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.84%	-8.79%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.59%	-1.54%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.59%	-1.55%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.84%	-8.72%	-0.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-8.84%	-8.79%	-0.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.47%	-0.66%	+0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.65%	-0.87%	+0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.44%	0.48%	-0.04%

Volatility

HOSBX vs. VBISX - Volatility Comparison

Homestead Funds Short Term Bond Fund (HOSBX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX) have volatilities of 0.70% and 0.69%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HOSBX	VBISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.70%	0.69%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.74%	1.59%	+0.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.37%	2.24%	+0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.99%	2.94%	+0.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.41%	2.38%	+0.03%

HOSBX vs. VBISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HOSBX has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than VBISX's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

HOSBX vs. VBISX - Dividend Comparison

HOSBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.80%, less than VBISX's 3.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HOSBX Homestead Funds Short Term Bond Fund	3.80%	3.86%	3.50%	2.85%	1.74%	1.37%	3.57%	2.66%	1.83%	1.65%	1.55%	1.40%
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 HOSBX and VBISX in my portfolio?

HOSBX and VBISX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HOSBX or VBISX?

HOSBX has higher volatility (0.70%) compared to VBISX (0.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HOSBX dropped -8.84% vs VBISX's -8.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.64 vs 1.63), 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.