VBIIX vs. NMKBX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VBIIX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund) and NMKBX (North Square McKee Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Over the past 5 years, VBIIX returned 0.16%/yr vs 0.94%/yr for NMKBX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VBIIX charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for NMKBX.

Performance

VBIIX vs. NMKBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund (VBIIX) and North Square McKee Bond Fund (NMKBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBIIX achieves a -0.09% return, which is significantly lower than NMKBX's 0.49% return.

VBIIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: -0.09%
• 6M: -0.31%
• 1Y: 4.97%
• 3Y*: 4.06%
• 5Y*: 0.16%
• 10Y*: 1.77%

NMKBX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 0.49%
• 6M: 0.33%
• 1Y: 5.55%
• 3Y*: 4.50%
• 5Y*: 0.94%
• 10Y*: —

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

VBIIX vs. NMKBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VBIIX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund	-0.09%	8.12%	1.44%	5.67%	-13.34%	-2.73%	0.32%
NMKBX North Square McKee Bond Fund	0.49%	7.26%	1.78%	5.96%	-9.46%	-1.24%	0.10%

Correlation

The correlation between VBIIX and NMKBX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 30, 2020	0.93

The correlation between VBIIX and NMKBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VBIIX vs. NMKBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBIIX

VBIIX Risk / Return Rank: 17
VBIIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VBIIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
VBIIX Omega Ratio Rank: 16
VBIIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
VBIIX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

NMKBX

NMKBX Risk / Return Rank: 27
NMKBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
NMKBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
NMKBX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
NMKBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
NMKBX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

VBIIX vs. NMKBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund (VBIIX) and North Square McKee Bond Fund (NMKBX). 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.

	VBIIX	NMKBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	1.48	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.80	2.21	-0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.26	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.45	2.07	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.39	6.39	-2.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VBIIX vs. NMKBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBIIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is comparable to the NMKBX Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBIIX and NMKBX, 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

	VBIIX	NMKBX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.19	1.48	-0.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.03	0.17	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.33	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	0.14	+0.69

Drawdowns

VBIIX vs. NMKBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBIIX drawdown since its inception was -19.32%, which is greater than NMKBX's maximum drawdown of -14.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBIIX and NMKBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBIIX	NMKBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.32%	-14.25%	-5.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.44%	-2.69%	-0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.07%	-6.84%	+0.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.93%	-14.25%	-4.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.32%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.39%	-1.34%	-1.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.98%	-4.53%	+1.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.14%	0.87%	+0.27%

Volatility

VBIIX vs. NMKBX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund (VBIIX) has a higher volatility of 1.44% compared to North Square McKee Bond Fund (NMKBX) at 1.25%. This indicates that VBIIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NMKBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBIIX	NMKBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.44%	1.25%	+0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.01%	2.66%	+0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.19%	3.77%	+0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.38%	5.42%	+0.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.36%	5.24%	+0.12%

VBIIX vs. NMKBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBIIX has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than NMKBX's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

VBIIX vs. NMKBX - Dividend Comparison

VBIIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.12%, less than NMKBX's 4.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NMKBX North Square McKee Bond Fund	4.19%	4.25%	4.19%	3.54%	2.12%	0.77%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBIIX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund	4.12%	3.61%	3.71%	2.72%	2.30%	2.99%	2.85%	2.66%	2.78%	2.66%	2.98%	3.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBIIX and NMKBX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VBIIX and NMKBX 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, VBIIX or NMKBX?

VBIIX has higher volatility (1.44%) compared to NMKBX (1.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBIIX dropped -19.32% vs NMKBX's -14.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NMKBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.19), 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.