SDCP vs. VSDB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SDCP (Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF) and VSDB (Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SDCP returned 4.38% vs 5.27% for VSDB. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDCP charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VSDB.

Performance

SDCP vs. VSDB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF (SDCP) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDCP achieves a 1.06% return, which is significantly higher than VSDB's 0.94% return.

SDCP

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 1.06%
• 6M: 1.18%
• 1Y: 4.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VSDB

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 0.94%
• 6M: 1.35%
• 1Y: 5.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDCP vs. VSDB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SDCP Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF	1.06%	3.67%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	0.94%	4.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SDCP and VSDB is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

SDCP vs. VSDB — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDCP

SDCP Risk / Return Rank: 91
SDCP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
SDCP Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SDCP Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SDCP Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
SDCP Martin Ratio Rank: 89

VSDB

VSDB Risk / Return Rank: 86
VSDB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
VSDB Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
VSDB Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VSDB Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VSDB Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

SDCP vs. VSDB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF (SDCP) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). 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.

	SDCP	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.02	3.04	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.90	4.79	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.74	1.63	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.33	3.72	+1.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.90	16.38	+3.53
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SDCP vs. VSDB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDCP Sharpe Ratio is 3.02, which is comparable to the VSDB Sharpe Ratio of 3.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDCP and VSDB, 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

	SDCP	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.02	3.04	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.66	2.65	+0.01

Drawdowns

SDCP vs. VSDB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDCP drawdown since its inception was -1.00%, smaller than the maximum VSDB drawdown of -1.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDCP and VSDB.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDCP	VSDB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.00%	-1.42%	+0.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.82%	-1.42%	+0.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.10%	-0.16%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.18%	-0.19%	+0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.22%	0.32%	-0.10%

Volatility

SDCP vs. VSDB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF (SDCP) is 0.30%, while Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) has a volatility of 0.55%. This indicates that SDCP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSDB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDCP	VSDB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.30%	0.55%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.84%	1.35%	-0.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.46%	1.75%	-0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.04%	1.90%	+0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.04%	1.90%	+0.14%

SDCP vs. VSDB - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDCP has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VSDB's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDCP vs. VSDB - Dividend Comparison

SDCP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.23%, more than VSDB's 4.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
SDCP Virtus Newfleet Short Duration Core Plus Bond ETF	5.23%	5.16%	5.25%	0.59%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	4.17%	3.30%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDCP and VSDB in my portfolio?

SDCP and VSDB have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDCP or VSDB?

VSDB has higher volatility (0.55%) compared to SDCP (0.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDCP dropped -1.00% vs VSDB's -1.42%.

Which ETF is better, SDCP or VSDB?

On 1-year performance, VSDB leads with 5.27% vs 4.38% for SDCP. On fees, VSDB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, SDCP has been the lower-risk option at 0.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDCP or VSDB?

Over the 1-year period, VSDB has performed better with a 5.27% return vs 4.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDCP or VSDB?

VSDB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SDCP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDCP or VSDB?

SDCP has the higher dividend yield at 5.23%, compared with 4.17% for VSDB.

What is the main difference between SDCP and VSDB?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SDCP and 0.15% for VSDB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSDB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 vs 3.02), 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.