VBIRX vs. VMMSX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VBIRX (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VMMSX (Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund) are both mutual funds - VBIRX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while VMMSX is a Emerging Markets Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VBIRX returned 1.92%/yr vs 10.72%/yr for VMMSX. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. VBIRX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for VMMSX.

Performance

VBIRX vs. VMMSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIRX) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBIRX achieves a 0.30% return, which is significantly lower than VMMSX's 20.95% return. Over the past 10 years, VBIRX has underperformed VMMSX with an annualized return of 1.92%, while VMMSX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.72% annualized return.

VBIRX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 0.30%
• 6M: 0.54%
• 1Y: 3.74%
• 3Y*: 4.42%
• 5Y*: 1.63%
• 10Y*: 1.92%

VMMSX

• 1D: 1.46%
• 1M: 5.99%
• YTD: 20.95%
• 6M: 22.99%
• 1Y: 48.86%
• 3Y*: 22.11%
• 5Y*: 6.94%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

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

VBIRX vs. VMMSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBIRX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.30%	6.09%	3.75%	4.87%	-5.63%	-1.20%	4.69%	4.86%	1.37%	1.18%
VMMSX Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund	20.95%	35.68%	5.91%	10.58%	-18.15%	-1.40%	15.79%	21.42%	-12.53%	32.01%

Correlation

The correlation between VBIRX and VMMSX is 0.14, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.14
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.08
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.06
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2011	-0.07

The correlation between VBIRX and VMMSX shifts across timeframes, from -0.07 (all time) to 0.14 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VBIRX vs. VMMSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBIRX

VBIRX Risk / Return Rank: 39
VBIRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VBIRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VBIRX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VBIRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VBIRX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

VMMSX

VMMSX Risk / Return Rank: 82
VMMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
VMMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VMMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VMMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VMMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

VBIRX vs. VMMSX - 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 Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX). 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.

	VBIRX	VMMSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	2.96	-1.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.81	3.76	-0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.55	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	3.66	-1.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.90	14.53	-6.63
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VBIRX vs. VMMSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBIRX Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is lower than the VMMSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBIRX and VMMSX, 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

	VBIRX	VMMSX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.66	2.96	-1.30
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	0.39	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80	0.59	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.97	0.33	+0.65

Drawdowns

VBIRX vs. VMMSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBIRX drawdown since its inception was -8.69%, smaller than the maximum VMMSX drawdown of -39.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBIRX and VMMSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBIRX	VMMSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.69%	-39.28%	+30.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.54%	-13.46%	+11.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.55%	-18.37%	+16.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.64%	-37.39%	+28.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-8.69%	-38.82%	+30.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.63%	0.00%	-0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.99%	-13.41%	+12.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.47%	3.38%	-2.91%

Volatility

VBIRX vs. VMMSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIRX) is 0.71%, while Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX) has a volatility of 6.08%. This indicates that VBIRX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VMMSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBIRX	VMMSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.71%	6.08%	-5.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.60%	13.89%	-12.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26%	16.63%	-14.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.96%	17.78%	-14.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.40%	18.38%	-15.98%

VBIRX vs. VMMSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBIRX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VMMSX's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

VBIRX vs. VMMSX - Dividend Comparison

VBIRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.99%, more than VMMSX's 1.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBIRX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.99%	3.83%	3.37%	2.41%	1.46%	1.22%	1.77%	2.24%	2.03%	1.66%	1.50%	1.41%
VMMSX Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund	1.92%	2.32%	3.33%	3.05%	3.71%	6.80%	1.04%	2.04%	2.53%	1.54%	1.44%	1.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBIRX and VMMSX in my portfolio?

VBIRX and VMMSX have a correlation of 0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VBIRX or VMMSX?

VMMSX has higher volatility (6.08%) compared to VBIRX (0.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBIRX dropped -8.69% vs VMMSX's -39.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.96 vs 1.66), 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.