VBIRX vs. VBISX
VBIRX (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VBISX (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VBIRX returned 1.85%/yr vs 1.71%/yr for VBISX. Their 0.99 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. VBIRX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VBISX.
Performance
VBIRX vs. VBISX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VBIRX achieves a 0.14% return, which is significantly higher than VBISX's 0.10% return. Over the past 10 years, VBIRX has outperformed VBISX with an annualized return of 1.85%, while VBISX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.71% annualized return.
VBIRX
- 1D
- 0.00%
- 1M
- -0.29%
- 6M
- 0.00%
- YTD
- 0.14%
- 1Y
- 2.10%
- 3Y*
- 4.40%
- 5Y*
- 1.54%
- 10Y*
- 1.85%
- ALL TIME*
- 2.58%
VBISX
- 1D
- 0.00%
- 1M
- -0.29%
- 6M
- -0.04%
- YTD
- 0.10%
- 1Y
- 2.02%
- 3Y*
- 4.13%
- 5Y*
- 1.35%
- 10Y*
- 1.71%
- ALL TIME*
- 3.36%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
VBIRX vs. VBISX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VBIRX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares | 0.14% | 6.09% | 3.75% | 4.87% | -5.63% | -1.20% | 4.69% | 4.86% | 1.37% | 1.18% |
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund | 0.10% | 5.67% | 3.66% | 4.54% | -5.61% | -1.35% | 4.63% | 4.78% | 1.27% | 1.10% |
Correlation
The correlation between VBIRX and VBISX is 0.98 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.98 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.97 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.98 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.98 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2001 | 0.99 |
The correlation between VBIRX and VBISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - 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
VBIRX vs. VBISX — Risk / Return Rank
VBIRX
VBISX
VBIRX vs. VBISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIRX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX). 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.
| VBIRX | VBISX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.04 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.11 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.27 | 1.26 | 0.00 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.98 | 1.92 | +0.06 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.56 | 5.28 | +0.28 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VBIRX vs. VBISX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VBIRX drawdown since its inception was -8.69%, roughly equal to the maximum VBISX drawdown of -8.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBIRX and VBISX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VBIRX | VBISX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -8.69% | -8.79% | +0.10% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -1.54% | -1.54% | 0.00% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -1.55% | -1.55% | 0.00% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -8.55% | -8.64% | +0.09% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -8.69% | -8.79% | +0.10% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.79% | -0.82% | +0.03% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.98% | -0.87% | -0.11% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.55% | 0.56% | -0.01% |
Volatility
VBIRX vs. VBISX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIRX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX) have volatilities of 0.46% and 0.46%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VBIRX | VBISX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.46% | 0.46% | 0.00% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 1.68% | 1.69% | -0.01% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.24% | 2.24% | 0.00% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 2.98% | 2.96% | +0.02% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 2.40% | 2.39% | +0.01% |
VBIRX vs. VBISX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VBIRX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than VBISX's 0.15% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
VBIRX vs. VBISX - Dividend Comparison
VBIRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.69%, more than VBISX's 3.60% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VBIRX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares | 3.69% | 3.83% | 3.37% | 2.41% | 1.46% | 1.22% | 1.77% | 2.24% | 2.03% | 1.66% | 1.50% | 1.41% |
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund | 3.60% | 3.44% | 3.29% | 2.10% | 1.38% | 1.16% | 1.72% | 2.16% | 1.92% | 1.58% | 1.42% | 1.34% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.98, VBIRX and VBISX 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.
VBISX has higher volatility (0.46%) compared to VBIRX (0.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBIRX dropped -8.69% vs VBISX's -8.79%.
VBIRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 1.33), 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 VBIRX and VBISX
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