SUB vs. VTES

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SUB (iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF) and VTES (Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds - SUB tracks the ICE Short Maturity AMT-Free US National Municipal Index - Benchmark TR Gross while VTES tracks the S&P 0-7 Year National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SUB returned 3.08%/yr vs 3.09%/yr for VTES. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.07% expense ratio.

Performance

SUB vs. VTES - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF (SUB) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTES). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SUB achieves a 0.93% return, which is significantly higher than VTES's 0.75% return.

SUB

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.52%
• YTD: 0.93%
• 6M: 1.10%
• 1Y: 2.93%
• 3Y*: 3.08%
• 5Y*: 1.51%
• 10Y*: 1.46%

VTES

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: 0.57%
• YTD: 0.75%
• 6M: 0.95%
• 1Y: 3.30%
• 3Y*: 3.09%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SUB vs. VTES - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SUB iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF	0.93%	3.64%	2.17%	3.08%
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	0.75%	4.19%	1.85%	3.32%

Correlation

The correlation between SUB and VTES is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 9, 2023	0.70

The correlation between SUB and VTES shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (1 year) to 0.70 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SUB vs. VTES — Risk / Return Rank

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

SUB

SUB Risk / Return Rank: 82
SUB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
SUB Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
SUB Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SUB Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
SUB Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VTES

VTES Risk / Return Rank: 71
VTES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
VTES Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
VTES Omega Ratio Rank: 93
VTES Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
VTES Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

SUB vs. VTES - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF (SUB) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTES). 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.

	SUB	VTES	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.92	2.67	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.21	3.85	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.64	1.62	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.65	2.25	+1.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.32	6.47	+3.85

SUB vs. VTES - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SUB Sharpe Ratio is 2.92, which is comparable to the VTES Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SUB and VTES, 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

SUB vs. VTES - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SUB drawdown since its inception was -9.46%, which is greater than VTES's maximum drawdown of -2.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SUB and VTES.

Drawdown Indicators

	SUB	VTES	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.46%	-2.42%	-7.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.81%	-1.47%	+0.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.23%	-1.80%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-4.35%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-9.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.53%	+0.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.91%	-0.50%	-0.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.28%	0.51%	-0.23%

Volatility

SUB vs. VTES - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF (SUB) is 0.25%, while Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTES) has a volatility of 0.27%. This indicates that SUB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTES based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SUB	VTES	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.25%	0.27%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.80%	0.98%	-0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.01%	1.24%	-0.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.64%	1.71%	-0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.60%	1.71%	+0.89%

SUB vs. VTES - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SUB and VTES have an expense ratio of 0.07%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SUB vs. VTES - Dividend Comparison

SUB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.52%, less than VTES's 2.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SUB iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF	2.52%	2.42%	2.10%	1.73%	0.86%	0.72%	1.23%	1.58%	1.32%	0.95%	0.75%	0.77%
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	2.75%	2.77%	2.99%	2.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SUB and VTES in my portfolio?

SUB and VTES have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SUB or VTES?

VTES has higher volatility (0.27%) compared to SUB (0.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SUB dropped -9.46% vs VTES's -2.42%.

Which ETF is better, SUB or VTES?

On 3-year performance, VTES leads with 3.09% vs 3.08% for SUB. Both ETFs have the same 0.07% expense ratio. 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, SUB or VTES?

Over the 3-year period, VTES has performed better with a 3.09% return vs 3.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SUB or VTES?

SUB and VTES have the same expense ratio: 0.07% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SUB or VTES?

VTES has the higher dividend yield at 2.75%, compared with 2.52% for SUB.

What is the main difference between SUB and VTES?

SUB tracks ICE Short Maturity AMT-Free US National Municipal Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while VTES tracks S&P 0-7 Year National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SUB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.92 vs 2.67), 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.