VBISX vs. RSDIX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VBISX (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund) and RSDIX (RBC Short Duration Fixed Income Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, VBISX returned 1.73%/yr vs 2.11%/yr for RSDIX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VBISX charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for RSDIX.

Performance

VBISX vs. RSDIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX) and RBC Short Duration Fixed Income Fund (RSDIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBISX achieves a -0.03% return, which is significantly higher than RSDIX's -2.58% return. Over the past 10 years, VBISX has underperformed RSDIX with an annualized return of 1.73%, while RSDIX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.11% annualized return.

VBISX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: -0.03%
• 6M: 0.39%
• 1Y: 2.93%
• 3Y*: 4.18%
• 5Y*: 1.43%
• 10Y*: 1.73%

RSDIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: -2.58%
• 6M: -2.19%
• 1Y: -0.35%
• 3Y*: 3.67%
• 5Y*: 1.66%
• 10Y*: 2.11%

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

VBISX vs. RSDIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund	-0.03%	5.67%	3.66%	4.54%	-5.61%	-1.35%	4.63%	4.78%	1.27%	1.10%
RSDIX RBC Short Duration Fixed Income Fund	-2.58%	4.86%	5.13%	5.52%	-4.00%	-0.06%	3.58%	5.47%	1.02%	2.13%

Correlation

The correlation between VBISX and RSDIX is 0.63, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2014	0.71

The correlation between VBISX and RSDIX shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (1 year) to 0.80 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VBISX vs. RSDIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBISX

VBISX Risk / Return Rank: 30
VBISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
VBISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VBISX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
VBISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
VBISX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

RSDIX

RSDIX Risk / Return Rank: 3
RSDIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
RSDIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
RSDIX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
RSDIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
RSDIX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

VBISX vs. RSDIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX) and RBC Short Duration Fixed Income Fund (RSDIX). 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.

	VBISX	RSDIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	-0.09	+1.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.20	-0.10	+2.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	0.98	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	-0.08	+2.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.89	-0.15	+6.04

VBISX vs. RSDIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBISX Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is higher than the RSDIX Sharpe Ratio of -0.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBISX and RSDIX, 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

VBISX vs. RSDIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBISX drawdown since its inception was -8.79%, which is greater than RSDIX's maximum drawdown of -6.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBISX and RSDIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBISX	RSDIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.79%	-6.66%	-2.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.54%	-3.11%	+1.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.55%	-3.11%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.72%	-6.40%	-2.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-8.79%	-6.66%	-2.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-2.68%	+1.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.87%	-0.80%	-0.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.52%	1.59%	-1.07%

Volatility

VBISX vs. RSDIX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX) has a higher volatility of 0.79% compared to RBC Short Duration Fixed Income Fund (RSDIX) at 0.62%. This indicates that VBISX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RSDIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBISX	RSDIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.79%	0.62%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.66%	1.95%	-0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.27%	2.66%	-0.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.95%	2.26%	+0.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.39%	2.03%	+0.36%

VBISX vs. RSDIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBISX has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than RSDIX's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

VBISX vs. RSDIX - Dividend Comparison

VBISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.91%, less than RSDIX's 4.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RSDIX RBC Short Duration Fixed Income Fund	4.05%	4.75%	4.16%	2.71%	1.92%	2.24%	2.01%	2.68%	2.44%	2.01%	1.80%	1.77%
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund	3.91%	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

Can I hold both VBISX and RSDIX in my portfolio?

VBISX and RSDIX have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VBISX or RSDIX?

VBISX has higher volatility (0.79%) compared to RSDIX (0.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBISX dropped -8.79% vs RSDIX's -6.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.34 vs -0.09), 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.