VBILX vs. GASFX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

VBILX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) and GASFX (Hennessy Gas Utility Fund) are both mutual funds - VBILX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index, while GASFX is a Utilities Equities fund managed by Hennessy. Over the past 10 years, VBILX returned 1.71%/yr vs 9.01%/yr for GASFX. At a correlation of -0.06, they often move in opposite directions. VBILX charges 0.06%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for GASFX.

Performance

VBILX vs. GASFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBILX) and Hennessy Gas Utility Fund (GASFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBILX achieves a -0.85% return, which is significantly lower than GASFX's 13.80% return. Over the past 10 years, VBILX has underperformed GASFX with an annualized return of 1.71%, while GASFX has yielded a comparatively higher 9.01% annualized return.

VBILX

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -0.61%
• 6M: -0.85%
• YTD: -0.85%
• 1Y: 3.37%
• 3Y*: 4.18%
• 5Y*: -0.17%
• 10Y*: 1.71%

GASFX

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: 2.25%
• 6M: 13.98%
• YTD: 13.80%
• 1Y: 17.57%
• 3Y*: 16.27%
• 5Y*: 13.87%
• 10Y*: 9.01%

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

VBILX vs. GASFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBILX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	-0.85%	8.57%	1.54%	6.09%	-13.59%	-2.36%	9.82%	10.20%	-0.15%	3.86%
GASFX Hennessy Gas Utility Fund	13.80%	10.42%	24.98%	0.27%	13.68%	19.60%	-9.34%	20.80%	-3.47%	7.04%

Correlation

The correlation between VBILX and GASFX is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.18
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2001	-0.06

The correlation between VBILX and GASFX shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (all time) to 0.22 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VBILX vs. GASFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBILX

VBILX Risk / Return Rank: 15
VBILX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
VBILX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
VBILX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
VBILX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
VBILX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

GASFX

GASFX Risk / Return Rank: 52
GASFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
GASFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
GASFX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
GASFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
GASFX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

VBILX vs. GASFX - 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 Hennessy Gas Utility Fund (GASFX). 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	GASFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.80	1.54	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.20	2.21	-1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.26	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.96	2.72	-1.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.54	7.79	-5.25

VBILX vs. GASFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBILX Sharpe Ratio is 0.80, which is lower than the GASFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBILX and GASFX, 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

VBILX vs. GASFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBILX drawdown since its inception was -19.26%, smaller than the maximum GASFX drawdown of -49.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBILX and GASFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBILX	GASFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.26%	-49.33%	+30.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.43%	-6.95%	+3.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.05%	-12.43%	+6.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.15%	-18.25%	-0.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.26%	-37.23%	+17.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.63%	-1.25%	-1.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.15%	-7.84%	+4.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.29%	2.42%	-1.13%

Volatility

VBILX vs. GASFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBILX) is 1.33%, while Hennessy Gas Utility Fund (GASFX) has a volatility of 4.46%. This indicates that VBILX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GASFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBILX	GASFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.33%	4.46%	-3.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.20%	9.73%	-6.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.10%	12.32%	-8.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.39%	15.50%	-9.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.36%	17.72%	-12.36%

VBILX vs. GASFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBILX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than GASFX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

VBILX vs. GASFX - Dividend Comparison

VBILX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.28%, less than GASFX's 10.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GASFX Hennessy Gas Utility Fund	10.60%	12.06%	7.36%	6.63%	15.49%	10.63%	10.93%	7.11%	12.31%	2.96%	3.52%	5.64%
VBILX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.28%	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

Can I hold both VBILX and GASFX in my portfolio?

VBILX and GASFX have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VBILX or GASFX?

GASFX has higher volatility (4.46%) compared to VBILX (1.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBILX dropped -19.26% vs GASFX's -49.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GASFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 0.80), 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.