TLDR vs. VGUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TLDR (The Laddered T-Bill ETF) and VGUS (Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds. TLDR is actively managed, while VGUS is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.11, they often move in opposite directions. TLDR charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VGUS.

Performance

TLDR vs. VGUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The Laddered T-Bill ETF (TLDR) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

TLDR

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGUS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 1.44%
• 6M: 1.76%
• 1Y: 3.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TLDR vs. VGUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
TLDR The Laddered T-Bill ETF	1.25%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	1.26%

Correlation

The correlation between TLDR and VGUS is -0.11, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 22, 2026	-0.11

Return for Risk

TLDR vs. VGUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGUS

VGUS Risk / Return Rank: 100
VGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

TLDR vs. VGUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The Laddered T-Bill ETF (TLDR) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TLDR	VGUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	12.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	8.82	11.72	-2.91

Drawdowns

TLDR vs. VGUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TLDR drawdown since its inception was -0.05%, smaller than the maximum VGUS drawdown of -0.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TLDR and VGUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	TLDR	VGUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.05%	-0.07%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.01%	-0.00%	-0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.01%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	TLDR	VGUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.11%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.18%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39%	0.33%	+0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.39%	0.34%	+0.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.39%	0.34%	+0.05%

TLDR vs. VGUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

TLDR has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VGUS's 0.07% 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

TLDR vs. VGUS - Dividend Comparison

TLDR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, less than VGUS's 3.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
TLDR The Laddered T-Bill ETF	1.22%	0.00%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	3.61%	3.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TLDR and VGUS in my portfolio?

TLDR and VGUS have a correlation of -0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, TLDR or VGUS?

On fees, VGUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, TLDR or VGUS?

VGUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for TLDR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TLDR or VGUS?

VGUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.61%, compared with 1.22% for TLDR.

What is the main difference between TLDR and VGUS?

They also come from different issuers: REX Shares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for TLDR and 0.07% for VGUS.