VBIMX vs. NOSIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VBIMX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares) and NOSIX (Northern Stock Index Fund) are both mutual funds - VBIMX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while NOSIX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Northern Funds. Over the past 10 years, VBIMX returned 1.92%/yr vs 15.56%/yr for NOSIX. At a correlation of -0.21, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.05% expense ratio.

Performance

VBIMX vs. NOSIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBIMX) and Northern Stock Index Fund (NOSIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBIMX achieves a -0.04% return, which is significantly lower than NOSIX's 11.68% return. Over the past 10 years, VBIMX has underperformed NOSIX with an annualized return of 1.92%, while NOSIX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.56% annualized return.

VBIMX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: -0.04%
• 6M: -0.25%
• 1Y: 5.09%
• 3Y*: 4.29%
• 5Y*: 0.33%
• 10Y*: 1.92%

NOSIX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 5.79%
• YTD: 11.68%
• 6M: 11.72%
• 1Y: 28.94%
• 3Y*: 22.69%
• 5Y*: 14.18%
• 10Y*: 15.56%

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

VBIMX vs. NOSIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBIMX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	-0.04%	8.59%	1.55%	5.78%	-13.25%	-2.50%	9.83%	10.22%	-0.13%	3.89%
NOSIX Northern Stock Index Fund	11.68%	17.83%	24.87%	26.24%	-18.25%	28.55%	18.33%	31.35%	-4.54%	21.71%

Correlation

The correlation between VBIMX and NOSIX is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.13
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.03
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 27, 2006	-0.21

The correlation between VBIMX and NOSIX shifts across timeframes, from -0.21 (all time) to 0.26 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VBIMX vs. NOSIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBIMX

VBIMX Risk / Return Rank: 18
VBIMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VBIMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
VBIMX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VBIMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
VBIMX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

NOSIX

NOSIX Risk / Return Rank: 74
NOSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
NOSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
NOSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
NOSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
NOSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

VBIMX vs. NOSIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBIMX) and Northern Stock Index Fund (NOSIX). 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.

	VBIMX	NOSIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	2.52	-1.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	3.46	-1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.47	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.49	3.38	-1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.52	15.86	-11.33
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VBIMX vs. NOSIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBIMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is lower than the NOSIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBIMX and NOSIX, 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

	VBIMX	NOSIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.22	2.52	-1.30
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05	0.83	-0.78
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36	0.86	-0.50
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.50	+0.17

Drawdowns

VBIMX vs. NOSIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBIMX drawdown since its inception was -19.07%, smaller than the maximum NOSIX drawdown of -55.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBIMX and NOSIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBIMX	NOSIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.07%	-55.42%	+36.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.42%	-8.89%	+5.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.05%	-18.75%	+12.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.84%	-24.54%	+5.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.07%	-33.82%	+14.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.83%	0.00%	-1.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.32%	-10.33%	+7.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.13%	1.89%	-0.76%

Volatility

VBIMX vs. NOSIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBIMX) is 1.44%, while Northern Stock Index Fund (NOSIX) has a volatility of 2.82%. This indicates that VBIMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NOSIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBIMX	NOSIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.44%	2.82%	-1.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.01%	8.97%	-5.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.19%	11.95%	-7.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.39%	17.20%	-10.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.38%	18.21%	-12.83%

VBIMX vs. NOSIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VBIMX and NOSIX have an expense ratio of 0.05%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VBIMX vs. NOSIX - Dividend Comparison

VBIMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.23%, more than NOSIX's 2.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NOSIX Northern Stock Index Fund	2.64%	2.94%	2.59%	5.02%	4.72%	3.22%	4.00%	2.41%	4.82%	3.13%	2.76%	3.36%
VBIMX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.23%	4.03%	3.82%	2.82%	2.41%	3.23%	2.95%	2.75%	2.89%	2.76%	3.08%	3.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBIMX and NOSIX in my portfolio?

VBIMX and NOSIX have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VBIMX or NOSIX?

NOSIX has higher volatility (2.82%) compared to VBIMX (1.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBIMX dropped -19.07% vs NOSIX's -55.42%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NOSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.22), 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.