SWAGX vs. VBTIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SWAGX (Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond Index Fund) and VBTIX (Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Total Bond Market funds - SWAGX tracks the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index while VBTIX tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SWAGX returned -0.17%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VBTIX. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SWAGX charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VBTIX.

Performance

SWAGX vs. VBTIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond Index Fund (SWAGX) and Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBTIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWAGX achieves a 0.05% return, which is significantly lower than VBTIX's 0.12% return.

SWAGX

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 0.05%
• 6M: 0.40%
• 1Y: 4.19%
• 3Y*: 3.85%
• 5Y*: -0.17%
• 10Y*: —

VBTIX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.66%
• YTD: 0.12%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 4.16%
• 3Y*: 3.95%
• 5Y*: 0.04%
• 10Y*: 1.50%

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

SWAGX vs. VBTIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SWAGX Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond Index Fund	0.05%	7.11%	1.38%	5.46%	-13.62%	-2.29%	7.39%	8.64%	-0.11%	2.62%
VBTIX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.12%	7.18%	1.27%	5.75%	-13.15%	-1.95%	7.75%	8.74%	-0.24%	3.06%

Correlation

The correlation between SWAGX and VBTIX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 23, 2017	0.95

The correlation between SWAGX and VBTIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SWAGX vs. VBTIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWAGX

SWAGX Risk / Return Rank: 17
SWAGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
SWAGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
SWAGX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
SWAGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
SWAGX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

VBTIX

VBTIX Risk / Return Rank: 18
VBTIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VBTIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
VBTIX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VBTIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
VBTIX Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

SWAGX vs. VBTIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond Index Fund (SWAGX) and Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBTIX). 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.

	SWAGX	VBTIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	1.12	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.65	1.69	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.20	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.42	1.52	-0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.02	4.30	-0.28

SWAGX vs. VBTIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWAGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is comparable to the VBTIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWAGX and VBTIX, 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

SWAGX vs. VBTIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWAGX drawdown since its inception was -19.68%, roughly equal to the maximum VBTIX drawdown of -18.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWAGX and VBTIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWAGX	VBTIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.68%	-18.90%	-0.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.05%	-2.89%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.14%	-5.99%	-0.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.76%	-18.13%	-0.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.90%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.71%	-2.55%	-1.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.67%	-2.32%	-3.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.07%	1.02%	+0.05%

Volatility

SWAGX vs. VBTIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond Index Fund (SWAGX) is 1.09%, while Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBTIX) has a volatility of 1.17%. This indicates that SWAGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBTIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWAGX	VBTIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.09%	1.17%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.96%	2.88%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.98%	3.92%	+0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.09%	6.02%	+0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.11%	4.99%	+0.12%

SWAGX vs. VBTIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWAGX has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is higher than VBTIX's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SWAGX vs. VBTIX - Dividend Comparison

SWAGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, more than VBTIX's 4.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SWAGX Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond Index Fund	4.15%	4.02%	3.88%	3.22%	1.93%	1.56%	2.47%	2.87%	2.80%	1.98%	0.00%	0.00%
VBTIX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.01%	3.88%	3.69%	3.12%	2.61%	1.81%	2.41%	2.75%	2.58%	2.56%	2.54%	2.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWAGX and VBTIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, SWAGX and VBTIX 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, SWAGX or VBTIX?

VBTIX has higher volatility (1.17%) compared to SWAGX (1.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWAGX dropped -19.68% vs VBTIX's -18.90%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBTIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.12 vs 1.09), 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.