USTB vs. VSDB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

USTB (VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF) and VSDB (Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares) are both Short-Term Bond funds. USTB is passively managed, while VSDB is actively managed. Over the past year, USTB returned 4.79% vs 5.27% for VSDB. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USTB charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VSDB.

Performance

USTB vs. VSDB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF (USTB) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USTB achieves a 1.23% return, which is significantly higher than VSDB's 0.98% return.

USTB

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 1.23%
• 6M: 1.66%
• 1Y: 4.79%
• 3Y*: 6.14%
• 5Y*: 3.52%
• 10Y*: —

VSDB

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 0.98%
• 6M: 1.42%
• 1Y: 5.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

USTB vs. VSDB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USTB VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF	1.23%	4.05%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	0.98%	4.85%

Correlation

The correlation between USTB and VSDB is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2025	0.75

The correlation between USTB and VSDB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

USTB vs. VSDB — Risk / Return Rank

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

USTB

USTB Risk / Return Rank: 94
USTB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
USTB Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
USTB Omega Ratio Rank: 97
USTB Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
USTB Martin Ratio Rank: 92

VSDB

VSDB Risk / Return Rank: 86
VSDB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
VSDB Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
VSDB Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VSDB Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VSDB Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

USTB vs. VSDB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF (USTB) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). 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.

	USTB	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.96	3.03	+0.93
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	6.76	4.79	+1.97
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.89	1.63	+0.26
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.28	3.74	+1.54
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	24.05	16.50	+7.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

USTB vs. VSDB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USTB Sharpe Ratio is 3.96, which is higher than the VSDB Sharpe Ratio of 3.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USTB and VSDB, 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

	USTB	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.96	3.03	+0.93
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.76	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.73	2.67	-0.94

Drawdowns

USTB vs. VSDB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USTB drawdown since its inception was -5.32%, which is greater than VSDB's maximum drawdown of -1.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USTB and VSDB.

Drawdown Indicators

	USTB	VSDB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.32%	-1.42%	-3.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.84%	-1.42%	+0.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-4.96%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.13%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.66%	-0.19%	-0.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.19%	0.32%	-0.13%

Volatility

USTB vs. VSDB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF (USTB) is 0.34%, while Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) has a volatility of 0.56%. This indicates that USTB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSDB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USTB	VSDB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.34%	0.56%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.84%	1.36%	-0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.26%	1.74%	-0.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.01%	1.90%	+0.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.01%	1.90%	+0.11%

USTB vs. VSDB - Expense Ratio Comparison

USTB has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is higher than VSDB's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

USTB vs. VSDB - Dividend Comparison

USTB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.58%, more than VSDB's 4.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USTB VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF	4.58%	4.62%	5.05%	4.49%	2.54%	1.84%	2.59%	2.69%	2.32%	0.43%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	4.16%	3.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USTB and VSDB in my portfolio?

USTB and VSDB have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USTB or VSDB?

VSDB has higher volatility (0.56%) compared to USTB (0.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USTB dropped -5.32% vs VSDB's -1.42%.

Which ETF is better, USTB or VSDB?

On 1-year performance, VSDB leads with 5.27% vs 4.79% for USTB. On fees, VSDB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, USTB has been the lower-risk option at 0.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USTB or VSDB?

Over the 1-year period, VSDB has performed better with a 5.27% return vs 4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USTB or VSDB?

VSDB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for USTB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USTB or VSDB?

USTB has the higher dividend yield at 4.58%, compared with 4.16% for VSDB.

What is the main difference between USTB and VSDB?

They also come from different issuers: Victory and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for USTB and 0.15% for VSDB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USTB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.96 vs 3.03), 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.