USSH vs. VGSH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

USSH (WisdomTree 1-3 Year Laddered Treasury Fund) and VGSH (Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds - USSH tracks the Bloomberg US Treasury 1-3 Year Laddered Index while VGSH tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 1-3 Year Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, USSH returned 3.27% vs 3.43% for VGSH. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. USSH charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VGSH.

Performance

USSH vs. VGSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree 1-3 Year Laddered Treasury Fund (USSH) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USSH achieves a 0.39% return, which is significantly lower than VGSH's 0.48% return.

USSH

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 0.39%
• 6M: 0.66%
• 1Y: 3.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGSH

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 0.48%
• 6M: 0.74%
• 1Y: 3.43%
• 3Y*: 4.15%
• 5Y*: 1.81%
• 10Y*: 1.74%

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

USSH vs. VGSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
USSH WisdomTree 1-3 Year Laddered Treasury Fund	0.39%	5.00%	3.87%
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	0.48%	5.07%	4.02%

Correlation

The correlation between USSH and VGSH is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 15, 2024	0.97

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

Return for Risk

USSH vs. VGSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

USSH

USSH Risk / Return Rank: 82
USSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
USSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
USSH Omega Ratio Rank: 86
USSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
USSH Martin Ratio Rank: 78

VGSH

VGSH Risk / Return Rank: 83
VGSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VGSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
VGSH Omega Ratio Rank: 88
VGSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
VGSH Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

USSH vs. VGSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree 1-3 Year Laddered Treasury Fund (USSH) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH). 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.

	USSH	VGSH	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	2.68	-0.13
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.29	4.43	-0.14
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.57	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.76	3.90	-0.14
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	14.91	15.52	-0.61
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

USSH vs. VGSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USSH Sharpe Ratio is 2.54, which is comparable to the VGSH Sharpe Ratio of 2.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USSH and VGSH, 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

	USSH	VGSH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.54	2.68	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.93	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.74	1.01	+1.73

Drawdowns

USSH vs. VGSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USSH drawdown since its inception was -1.01%, smaller than the maximum VGSH drawdown of -5.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USSH and VGSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	USSH	VGSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.01%	-5.70%	+4.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.87%	-0.88%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.97%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-5.66%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-5.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-0.29%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.20%	-0.60%	+0.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.22%	0.22%	0.00%

Volatility

USSH vs. VGSH - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree 1-3 Year Laddered Treasury Fund (USSH) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) have volatilities of 0.36% and 0.35%, 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

	USSH	VGSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.36%	0.35%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.88%	0.88%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.29%	1.29%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.53%	1.97%	-0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.53%	1.57%	-0.04%

USSH vs. VGSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

USSH has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VGSH'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

USSH vs. VGSH - Dividend Comparison

USSH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.64%, less than VGSH's 3.87% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USSH WisdomTree 1-3 Year Laddered Treasury Fund	3.64%	3.67%	3.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	3.87%	4.00%	4.18%	3.31%	1.15%	0.66%	1.74%	2.28%	1.79%	1.10%	0.84%	0.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USSH and VGSH in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, USSH and VGSH 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, USSH or VGSH?

USSH has higher volatility (0.36%) compared to VGSH (0.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USSH dropped -1.01% vs VGSH's -5.70%.

Which ETF is better, USSH or VGSH?

On 1-year performance, VGSH leads with 3.43% vs 3.27% for USSH. On fees, VGSH is cheaper at 0.03% per year. 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, USSH or VGSH?

Over the 1-year period, VGSH has performed better with a 3.43% return vs 3.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USSH or VGSH?

VGSH is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for USSH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USSH or VGSH?

VGSH has the higher dividend yield at 3.87%, compared with 3.64% for USSH.

What is the main difference between USSH and VGSH?

USSH tracks Bloomberg US Treasury 1-3 Year Laddered Index, while VGSH tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 1-3 Year Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for USSH and 0.03% for VGSH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs 2.54), 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.