PLDIX vs. VBISX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PLDIX (PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund) and VBISX (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, PLDIX returned 1.88%/yr vs 1.79%/yr for VBISX. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PLDIX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VBISX.

Performance

PLDIX vs. VBISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund (PLDIX) 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, PLDIX achieves a 0.35% return, which is significantly higher than VBISX's 0.26% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PLDIX having a 1.88% annualized return and VBISX not far behind at 1.79%.

PLDIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 0.35%
• 6M: 0.77%
• 1Y: 3.66%
• 3Y*: 4.69%
• 5Y*: 1.63%
• 10Y*: 1.88%

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)

PLDIX vs. VBISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PLDIX PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund	0.35%	5.30%	4.98%	4.81%	-5.98%	-0.63%	3.30%	4.25%	0.32%	1.69%
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 PLDIX and VBISX is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 1997	0.67

The correlation between PLDIX and VBISX shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (all time) to 0.85 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PLDIX vs. VBISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PLDIX

PLDIX Risk / Return Rank: 45
PLDIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
PLDIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
PLDIX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
PLDIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
PLDIX Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

PLDIX vs. VBISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund (PLDIX) 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.

	PLDIX	VBISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	1.64	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	2.75	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.33	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	2.37	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.04	7.61	+1.42
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PLDIX vs. VBISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLDIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the VBISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLDIX 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

	PLDIX	VBISX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.78	1.64	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70	0.49	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95	0.75	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.32	1.34	-0.02

Drawdowns

PLDIX vs. VBISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLDIX drawdown since its inception was -9.77%, which is greater than VBISX's maximum drawdown of -8.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLDIX and VBISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLDIX	VBISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.77%	-8.79%	-0.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.51%	-1.54%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.51%	-1.55%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.34%	-8.72%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-8.34%	-8.79%	+0.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-0.66%	+0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-0.87%	+0.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.41%	0.48%	-0.07%

Volatility

PLDIX vs. VBISX - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund (PLDIX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX) have volatilities of 0.68% 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

	PLDIX	VBISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.68%	0.69%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.53%	1.59%	-0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.08%	2.24%	-0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.35%	2.94%	-0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.99%	2.38%	-0.39%

PLDIX vs. VBISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLDIX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VBISX's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

PLDIX vs. VBISX - Dividend Comparison

PLDIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.61%, less than VBISX's 3.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLDIX PIMCO Low Duration ESG Fund	3.61%	3.62%	3.39%	2.97%	1.90%	0.82%	1.26%	2.46%	1.92%	1.04%	1.82%	1.93%
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 PLDIX and VBISX in my portfolio?

PLDIX and VBISX have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PLDIX or VBISX?

VBISX has higher volatility (0.69%) compared to PLDIX (0.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLDIX dropped -9.77% vs VBISX's -8.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLDIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.64), 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.