PSTQX vs. VBISX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PSTQX (PGIM Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund - Class R6) and VBISX (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, PSTQX returned 2.54%/yr vs 1.73%/yr for VBISX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSTQX charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VBISX.

Performance

PSTQX vs. VBISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund - Class R6 (PSTQX) 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, PSTQX achieves a 0.46% return, which is significantly higher than VBISX's -0.03% return. Over the past 10 years, PSTQX has outperformed VBISX with an annualized return of 2.54%, while VBISX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.73% annualized return.

PSTQX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 0.46%
• 6M: 0.81%
• 1Y: 3.89%
• 3Y*: 5.42%
• 5Y*: 2.08%
• 10Y*: 2.54%

VBISX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: -0.03%
• 6M: 0.39%
• 1Y: 2.93%
• 3Y*: 4.18%
• 5Y*: 1.43%
• 10Y*: 1.73%

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

PSTQX vs. VBISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSTQX PGIM Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund - Class R6	0.46%	6.75%	4.89%	5.95%	-6.78%	-0.51%	5.60%	6.77%	0.68%	2.25%
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund	-0.03%	5.67%	3.66%	4.54%	-5.61%	-1.35%	4.63%	4.78%	1.27%	1.10%

Correlation

The correlation between PSTQX and VBISX is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013	0.82

The correlation between PSTQX and VBISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSTQX vs. VBISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSTQX

PSTQX Risk / Return Rank: 54
PSTQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
PSTQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
PSTQX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
PSTQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
PSTQX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

VBISX

VBISX Risk / Return Rank: 30
VBISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
VBISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VBISX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
VBISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
VBISX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

PSTQX vs. VBISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund - Class R6 (PSTQX) 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.

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.

	PSTQX	VBISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	1.34	+0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.20	+0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.27	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.36	1.97	+0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.29	5.89	+2.41

PSTQX vs. VBISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSTQX Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is higher than the VBISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSTQX 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.

Drawdowns

PSTQX vs. VBISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSTQX drawdown since its inception was -10.47%, which is greater than VBISX's maximum drawdown of -8.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSTQX and VBISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSTQX	VBISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.47%	-8.79%	-1.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.74%	-1.54%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.74%	-1.55%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.47%	-8.72%	-1.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-10.47%	-8.79%	-1.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.68%	-0.95%	+0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-0.87%	-0.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.49%	0.52%	-0.03%

Volatility

PSTQX vs. VBISX - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund - Class R6 (PSTQX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX) have volatilities of 0.80% and 0.79%, 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

	PSTQX	VBISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.80%	0.79%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.73%	1.66%	+0.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.23%	2.27%	-0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.94%	2.95%	-0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.68%	2.39%	+0.29%

PSTQX vs. VBISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSTQX has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VBISX's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSTQX vs. VBISX - Dividend Comparison

PSTQX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.22%, more than VBISX's 3.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSTQX PGIM Short-Term Corporate Bond Fund - Class R6	4.22%	4.08%	3.62%	2.63%	2.31%	2.08%	2.55%	2.95%	2.89%	2.79%	2.74%	2.87%
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund	3.91%	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 PSTQX and VBISX in my portfolio?

PSTQX and VBISX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSTQX or VBISX?

PSTQX has higher volatility (0.80%) compared to VBISX (0.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSTQX dropped -10.47% vs VBISX's -8.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSTQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.34), 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.