VBIIX vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VBIIX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both funds - VBIIX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Vanguard, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Over the past 10 years, VBIIX returned 1.71%/yr vs 10.22%/yr for VXUS. At a correlation of -0.10, they often move in opposite directions. VBIIX charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

VBIIX vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBIIX achieves a -0.18% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 13.69% return. Over the past 10 years, VBIIX has underperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 1.71%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively higher 10.22% annualized return.

VBIIX

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 1.05%
• YTD: -0.18%
• 6M: 0.35%
• 1Y: 4.67%
• 3Y*: 4.13%
• 5Y*: -0.07%
• 10Y*: 1.71%

VXUS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 3.09%
• YTD: 13.69%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 30.12%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 8.32%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

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

VBIIX vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBIIX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund	-0.18%	8.12%	1.44%	5.67%	-13.34%	-2.73%	9.72%	10.11%	-0.24%	3.78%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	13.69%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between VBIIX and VXUS is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	-0.10

The correlation between VBIIX and VXUS shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (all time) to 0.37 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VBIIX vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBIIX

VBIIX Risk / Return Rank: 22
VBIIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
VBIIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
VBIIX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
VBIIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
VBIIX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 61
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund (VBIIX) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	VBIIX	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.77	-0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.68	2.44	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.33	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.33	2.53	-1.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.82	9.72	-5.90

VBIIX vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBIIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is lower than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBIIX and VXUS, 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

VBIIX vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBIIX drawdown since its inception was -19.32%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBIIX and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBIIX	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.32%	-35.97%	+16.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.44%	-11.27%	+7.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.07%	-13.58%	+7.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.93%	-29.44%	+10.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.32%	-35.97%	+16.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-1.47%	-1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.98%	-8.21%	+5.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.20%	2.93%	-1.73%

Volatility

VBIIX vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund (VBIIX) is 1.49%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 6.71%. This indicates that VBIIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBIIX	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.49%	6.71%	-5.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.08%	14.02%	-10.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.16%	16.09%	-11.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.39%	16.21%	-9.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.36%	17.20%	-11.84%

VBIIX vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBIIX has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% 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

VBIIX vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

VBIIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.13%, more than VXUS's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBIIX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund	4.13%	3.61%	3.71%	2.72%	2.30%	2.99%	2.85%	2.66%	2.78%	2.66%	2.98%	3.02%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.67%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBIIX and VXUS in my portfolio?

VBIIX and VXUS have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VBIIX or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.71%) compared to VBIIX (1.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBIIX dropped -19.32% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.11), 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.