IUSB vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IUSB (iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. IUSB is passively managed, while VPLS is actively managed. Over the past year, IUSB returned 5.54% vs 5.91% for VPLS. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IUSB charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

IUSB vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) 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, IUSB achieves a 0.43% return, which is significantly lower than VPLS's 0.64% return.

IUSB

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 0.43%
• 6M: 0.31%
• 1Y: 5.54%
• 3Y*: 4.51%
• 5Y*: 0.44%
• 10Y*: 1.94%

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)

IUSB vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF	0.43%	7.38%	2.11%	2.25%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.64%	7.86%	2.72%	2.82%

Correlation

The correlation between IUSB and VPLS is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2023	0.97

The correlation between IUSB and VPLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

IUSB vs. VPLS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IUSB	VPLS
Energy	100.0%	0.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.9%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	0.0%
Technology	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IUSB vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

IUSB

IUSB Risk / Return Rank: 43
IUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
IUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
IUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 41
IUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
IUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

IUSB vs. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) 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.

	IUSB	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	1.63	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	2.42	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.29	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.20	2.18	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.68	7.10	-0.42
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IUSB vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IUSB Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is comparable to the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IUSB 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

	IUSB	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.54	1.63	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	1.24	-0.78

Drawdowns

IUSB vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IUSB drawdown since its inception was -17.90%, which is greater than VPLS's maximum drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IUSB and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IUSB	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.90%	-4.17%	-13.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.53%	-2.72%	+0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.82%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.87%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-17.90%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.33%	-1.21%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.59%	-1.01%	-2.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.83%	0.83%	0.00%

Volatility

IUSB vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) have volatilities of 1.24% and 1.27%, 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

	IUSB	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.24%	1.27%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.62%	2.69%	-0.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.62%	3.65%	-0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.79%	4.61%	+1.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.04%	4.61%	+0.43%

IUSB vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IUSB has a 0.06% 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

IUSB vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

IUSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.23%, less than VPLS's 4.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IUSB iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF	4.23%	4.17%	4.04%	3.46%	2.53%	1.74%	2.68%	3.04%	2.98%	2.56%	2.60%	1.95%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.76%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IUSB and VPLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, IUSB 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, IUSB or VPLS?

VPLS has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to IUSB (1.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IUSB dropped -17.90% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which ETF is better, IUSB or VPLS?

On 1-year performance, VPLS leads with 5.91% vs 5.54% for IUSB. On fees, IUSB is cheaper at 0.06% 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, IUSB or VPLS?

Over the 1-year period, VPLS has performed better with a 5.91% return vs 5.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IUSB or VPLS?

IUSB is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for VPLS.

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

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.76%, compared with 4.23% for IUSB.

What is the main difference between IUSB and VPLS?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for IUSB and 0.20% for VPLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.63 vs 1.54), 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.