VBIMX vs. VFIAX
VBIMX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VBIMX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, VBIMX returned 1.89%/yr vs 15.54%/yr for VFIAX. At a correlation of -0.21, they often move in opposite directions. VBIMX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.
Performance
VBIMX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VBIMX achieves a -0.33% return, which is significantly lower than VFIAX's 10.87% return. Over the past 10 years, VBIMX has underperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 1.89%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.54% annualized return.
VBIMX
- 1D
- -0.29%
- 1M
- -0.11%
- YTD
- -0.33%
- 6M
- -0.26%
- 1Y
- 4.18%
- 3Y*
- 4.19%
- 5Y*
- 0.18%
- 10Y*
- 1.89%
VFIAX
- 1D
- -0.73%
- 1M
- 4.17%
- YTD
- 10.87%
- 6M
- 10.78%
- 1Y
- 27.99%
- 3Y*
- 22.42%
- 5Y*
- 13.87%
- 10Y*
- 15.54%
VBIMX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VBIMX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares | -0.33% | 8.59% | 1.55% | 5.78% | -13.25% | -2.50% | 9.83% | 10.22% | -0.13% | 3.89% |
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares | 10.87% | 17.83% | 24.97% | 26.24% | -18.16% | 28.65% | 18.32% | 31.46% | -4.45% | 21.78% |
Correlation
The correlation between VBIMX and VFIAX is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.24 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.19 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.12 |
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 VFIAX shifts across timeframes, from -0.21 (all time) to 0.24 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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
VBIMX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank
VBIMX
VFIAX
VBIMX vs. VFIAX - 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 Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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 | VFIAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.22 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.51 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.20 | 1.43 | -0.23 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.40 | 3.16 | -1.76 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.22 | 14.76 | -10.54 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VBIMX | VFIAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.15 | 2.37 | -1.22 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.03 | 0.83 | -0.80 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.35 | 0.86 | -0.51 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.67 | 0.47 | +0.20 |
Drawdowns
VBIMX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VBIMX drawdown since its inception was -19.07%, smaller than the maximum VFIAX drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBIMX and VFIAX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VBIMX | VFIAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -19.07% | -55.20% | +36.13% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -3.42% | -8.90% | +5.48% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -6.05% | -18.75% | +12.70% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -18.84% | -24.53% | +5.69% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -19.07% | -33.83% | +14.76% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.11% | -0.73% | -1.38% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.32% | -9.40% | +6.08% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.14% | 1.90% | -0.76% |
Volatility
VBIMX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBIMX) is 1.41%, while Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) has a volatility of 2.92%. This indicates that VBIMX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VBIMX | VFIAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.41% | 2.92% | -1.51% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.00% | 8.99% | -5.99% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.19% | 11.88% | -7.69% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.39% | 16.90% | -10.51% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.38% | 18.07% | -12.69% |
VBIMX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VBIMX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% 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
VBIMX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison
VBIMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.25%, more than VFIAX's 1.02% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VBIMX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares | 4.25% | 4.03% | 3.82% | 2.82% | 2.41% | 3.23% | 2.95% | 2.75% | 2.89% | 2.76% | 3.08% | 3.12% |
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares | 1.02% | 1.12% | 1.24% | 1.45% | 1.68% | 1.24% | 1.53% | 1.87% | 2.05% | 1.78% | 2.02% | 2.10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VBIMX and VFIAX have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VFIAX has higher volatility (2.92%) compared to VBIMX (1.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBIMX dropped -19.07% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.
VFIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 1.15), 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 VBIMX and VFIAX
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