VBILX vs. BIMSX
VBILX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) and BIMSX (Baird Intermediate Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, VBILX returned 1.79%/yr vs 1.89%/yr for BIMSX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VBILX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for BIMSX.
Performance
VBILX vs. BIMSX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VBILX achieves a -0.53% return, which is significantly lower than BIMSX's -0.01% return. Over the past 10 years, VBILX has underperformed BIMSX with an annualized return of 1.79%, while BIMSX has yielded a comparatively higher 1.89% annualized return.
VBILX
- 1D
- -0.29%
- 1M
- 0.47%
- YTD
- -0.53%
- 6M
- -0.08%
- 1Y
- 3.75%
- 3Y*
- 4.34%
- 5Y*
- 0.09%
- 10Y*
- 1.79%
BIMSX
- 1D
- -0.09%
- 1M
- 0.32%
- YTD
- -0.01%
- 6M
- 0.26%
- 1Y
- 3.25%
- 3Y*
- 4.53%
- 5Y*
- 1.04%
- 10Y*
- 1.89%
VBILX vs. BIMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VBILX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares | -0.53% | 8.57% | 1.54% | 6.09% | -13.59% | -2.36% | 9.82% | 10.20% | -0.15% | 3.86% |
BIMSX Baird Intermediate Bond Fund | -0.01% | 6.76% | 3.21% | 5.53% | -8.88% | -1.68% | 7.16% | 6.83% | 0.30% | 2.53% |
Correlation
The correlation between VBILX and BIMSX is 0.92, 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 | 0.92 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.93 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.94 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.91 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2001 | 0.90 |
The correlation between VBILX and BIMSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VBILX vs. BIMSX — Risk / Return Rank
VBILX
BIMSX
VBILX vs. BIMSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBILX) and Baird Intermediate Bond Fund (BIMSX). 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.
| VBILX | BIMSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.40 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.61 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.17 | 1.26 | -0.08 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.19 | 1.85 | -0.66 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 3.31 | 5.30 | -2.00 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VBILX vs. BIMSX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VBILX drawdown since its inception was -19.26%, which is greater than BIMSX's maximum drawdown of -13.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBILX and BIMSX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VBILX | BIMSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -19.26% | -13.07% | -6.19% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.43% | -1.87% | -1.56% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -6.05% | -2.57% | -3.48% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -19.15% | -13.00% | -6.15% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -19.26% | -13.07% | -6.19% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.31% | -1.16% | -1.15% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.15% | -1.59% | -1.56% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.23% | 0.65% | +0.58% |
Volatility
VBILX vs. BIMSX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBILX) has a higher volatility of 1.33% compared to Baird Intermediate Bond Fund (BIMSX) at 0.79%. This indicates that VBILX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BIMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VBILX | BIMSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.33% | 0.79% | +0.54% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.12% | 1.87% | +1.25% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.15% | 2.50% | +1.65% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.39% | 3.88% | +2.51% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.37% | 3.25% | +2.12% |
VBILX vs. BIMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VBILX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than BIMSX's 0.55% expense ratio.
Dividends
VBILX vs. BIMSX - Dividend Comparison
VBILX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.23%, more than BIMSX's 3.60% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIMSX Baird Intermediate Bond Fund | 3.60% | 3.50% | 3.44% | 2.81% | 1.81% | 1.90% | 3.08% | 2.16% | 2.14% | 1.98% | 1.89% | 2.21% |
VBILX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares | 4.23% | 4.01% | 3.80% | 3.09% | 1.99% | 3.39% | 2.94% | 2.73% | 2.87% | 2.73% | 3.06% | 3.09% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.92, VBILX and BIMSX 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.
VBILX has higher volatility (1.33%) compared to BIMSX (0.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBILX dropped -19.26% vs BIMSX's -13.07%.
BIMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.38 vs 0.98), 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.
Find the right allocation for VBILX and BIMSX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer