USSH vs. VTG

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

USSH (WisdomTree 1-3 Year Laddered Treasury Fund) and VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds - USSH tracks the Bloomberg US Treasury 1-3 Year Laddered Index while VTG tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, USSH returned 2.84% vs 2.81% for VTG. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USSH charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTG.

Performance

USSH vs. VTG - 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 Total Treasury ETF (VTG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USSH achieves a 0.48% return, which is significantly higher than VTG's -0.43% return.

USSH

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -0.03%
• 6M: 0.48%
• YTD: 0.48%
• 1Y: 2.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTG

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: -0.53%
• 6M: -0.49%
• YTD: -0.43%
• 1Y: 2.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

USSH vs. VTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USSH WisdomTree 1-3 Year Laddered Treasury Fund	0.48%	2.45%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.43%	3.07%

Correlation

The correlation between USSH and VTG is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.85

The correlation between USSH and VTG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

USSH vs. VTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

USSH

USSH Risk / Return Rank: 85
USSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
USSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
USSH Omega Ratio Rank: 88
USSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
USSH Martin Ratio Rank: 81

VTG

VTG Risk / Return Rank: 26
VTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VTG Omega Ratio Rank: 24
VTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VTG Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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. VTG - 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 Total Treasury ETF (VTG). 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.

	USSH	VTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	0.80	+1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.45	1.20	+2.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.14	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.27	0.98	+2.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.37	2.56	+9.81

USSH vs. VTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USSH Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is higher than the VTG Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USSH and VTG, 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

USSH vs. VTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USSH drawdown since its inception was -1.01%, smaller than the maximum VTG drawdown of -2.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USSH and VTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	USSH	VTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.01%	-2.89%	+1.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.87%	-2.89%	+2.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-2.21%	+1.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.20%	-0.83%	+0.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.23%	1.10%	-0.87%

Volatility

USSH vs. VTG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree 1-3 Year Laddered Treasury Fund (USSH) is 0.49%, while Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) has a volatility of 1.13%. This indicates that USSH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USSH	VTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.49%	1.13%	-0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.99%	2.64%	-1.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.33%	3.53%	-2.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.53%	3.53%	-2.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.53%	3.53%	-2.00%

USSH vs. VTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

USSH has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VTG'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. VTG - Dividend Comparison

USSH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.64%, more than VTG's 3.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
USSH WisdomTree 1-3 Year Laddered Treasury Fund	3.64%	3.67%	3.22%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.55%	1.65%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USSH and VTG in my portfolio?

USSH and VTG have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USSH or VTG?

VTG has higher volatility (1.13%) compared to USSH (0.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USSH dropped -1.01% vs VTG's -2.89%.

Which ETF is better, USSH or VTG?

On 1-year performance, USSH leads with 2.84% vs 2.81% for VTG. On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, USSH has been the lower-risk option at 0.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USSH or VTG?

Over the 1-year period, USSH has performed better with a 2.84% return vs 2.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USSH or VTG?

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

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

USSH has the higher dividend yield at 3.64%, compared with 3.55% for VTG.

What is the main difference between USSH and VTG?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 0.80), 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.