ISHIX vs. VSTBX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ISHIX (Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund) and VSTBX (Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Corporate Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, ISHIX returned 2.74%/yr vs 2.99%/yr for VSTBX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ISHIX charges 0.86%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSTBX.

Performance

ISHIX vs. VSTBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund (ISHIX) and Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSTBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISHIX achieves a 0.16% return, which is significantly lower than VSTBX's 0.73% return. Over the past 10 years, ISHIX has underperformed VSTBX with an annualized return of 2.74%, while VSTBX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.99% annualized return.

ISHIX

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 0.16%
• 6M: 0.60%
• 1Y: 4.32%
• 3Y*: 4.58%
• 5Y*: 0.15%
• 10Y*: 2.74%

VSTBX

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 0.73%
• 6M: 0.88%
• 1Y: 4.27%
• 3Y*: 5.73%
• 5Y*: 2.45%
• 10Y*: 2.99%

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

ISHIX vs. VSTBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISHIX Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund	0.16%	6.94%	2.06%	7.72%	-14.64%	-0.07%	8.83%	13.86%	-2.94%	6.63%
VSTBX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.73%	6.75%	5.37%	6.17%	-5.73%	-0.41%	5.07%	9.68%	0.92%	2.48%

Correlation

The correlation between ISHIX and VSTBX is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2009	0.74

Over the past year, the correlation between ISHIX and VSTBX has dropped to 0.35 - well below their long-term average of 0.74, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

ISHIX vs. VSTBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISHIX

ISHIX Risk / Return Rank: 21
ISHIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
ISHIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
ISHIX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
ISHIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
ISHIX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

VSTBX

VSTBX Risk / Return Rank: 81
VSTBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VSTBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
VSTBX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VSTBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VSTBX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

ISHIX vs. VSTBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund (ISHIX) and Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSTBX). 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.

	ISHIX	VSTBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	2.48	-1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.74	3.79	-2.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.49	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.43	3.35	-1.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.40	13.18	-8.78

ISHIX vs. VSTBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISHIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is lower than the VSTBX Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISHIX and VSTBX, 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

ISHIX vs. VSTBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISHIX drawdown since its inception was -21.10%, which is greater than VSTBX's maximum drawdown of -9.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISHIX and VSTBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISHIX	VSTBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.10%	-9.34%	-11.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.12%	-1.31%	-1.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.32%	-1.31%	-4.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.00%	-9.34%	-10.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.00%	-9.34%	-10.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.11%	-0.24%	-0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.67%	-0.95%	-1.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	0.33%	+0.68%

Volatility

ISHIX vs. VSTBX - Volatility Comparison

Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund (ISHIX) has a higher volatility of 1.00% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSTBX) at 0.66%. This indicates that ISHIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSTBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISHIX	VSTBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.00%	0.66%	+0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.68%	1.34%	+1.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.64%	1.78%	+1.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.77%	2.72%	+3.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.16%	2.38%	+2.78%

ISHIX vs. VSTBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISHIX has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTBX's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISHIX vs. VSTBX - Dividend Comparison

ISHIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.42%, less than VSTBX's 4.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISHIX Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund	3.42%	3.34%	3.26%	3.45%	3.63%	3.16%	3.15%	3.62%	3.72%	3.92%	4.12%	5.59%
VSTBX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.44%	4.34%	4.29%	3.09%	2.00%	1.80%	2.27%	5.40%	2.67%	2.27%	1.96%	2.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISHIX and VSTBX in my portfolio?

ISHIX and VSTBX have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISHIX or VSTBX?

ISHIX has higher volatility (1.00%) compared to VSTBX (0.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISHIX dropped -21.10% vs VSTBX's -9.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.23), 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.