VBCD vs. VCSH

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VBCD (Vanguard Target Maturity 2030 Corporate Bond ETF) and VCSH (Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds from Vanguard - VBCD tracks the ICE 2030 Maturity US Corporate Constrained Index while VCSH tracks the Bloomberg U.S. 1-5 Year Corporate Bond Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VBCD charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VCSH.

Performance

VBCD vs. VCSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Maturity 2030 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCD) and Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VBCD

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: -0.57%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VCSH

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 0.41%
• 6M: 0.83%
• 1Y: 4.30%
• 3Y*: 5.47%
• 5Y*: 2.27%
• 10Y*: 2.67%

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

VBCD vs. VCSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VBCD Vanguard Target Maturity 2030 Corporate Bond ETF	0.85%
VCSH Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF	0.87%

Correlation

The correlation between VBCD and VCSH 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2026	0.97

Return for Risk

VBCD vs. VCSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCSH

VCSH Risk / Return Rank: 73
VCSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VCSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
VCSH Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VCSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VCSH Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

VBCD vs. VCSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Maturity 2030 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCD) and Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH). 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

	VBCD	VCSH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.29	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.79	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.47	1.01	+0.46

Drawdowns

VBCD vs. VCSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBCD drawdown since its inception was -1.23%, smaller than the maximum VCSH drawdown of -12.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBCD and VCSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBCD	VCSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.23%	-12.86%	+11.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.40%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.40%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-9.48%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-12.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.81%	-0.55%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.37%	-0.97%	+0.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.34%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VBCD	VCSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.62%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.41%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.04%	1.90%	+1.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.04%	2.88%	+0.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.04%	3.35%	-0.31%

VBCD vs. VCSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBCD has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VCSH's 0.04% 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

VBCD vs. VCSH - Dividend Comparison

VBCD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.48%, less than VCSH's 4.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBCD Vanguard Target Maturity 2030 Corporate Bond ETF	0.48%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VCSH Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF	4.46%	4.35%	3.96%	3.09%	2.01%	1.81%	2.27%	2.87%	2.65%	2.26%	2.10%	2.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBCD and VCSH in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VBCD and VCSH 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 ETF is better, VBCD or VCSH?

On fees, VCSH is cheaper at 0.04% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VBCD or VCSH?

VCSH is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for VBCD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VBCD or VCSH?

VCSH has the higher dividend yield at 4.46%, compared with 0.48% for VBCD.

What is the main difference between VBCD and VCSH?

VBCD tracks ICE 2030 Maturity US Corporate Constrained Index, while VCSH tracks Bloomberg U.S. 1-5 Year Corporate Bond Index. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for VBCD and 0.04% for VCSH.