VBLAX vs. BLV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VBLAX (Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) and BLV (Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF) are both funds - VBLAX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while BLV is a Long-Term Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Long Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index. Over the past 5 years, VBLAX returned -3.90%/yr vs -3.65%/yr for BLV. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VBLAX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for BLV.

Performance

VBLAX vs. BLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBLAX) and Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBLAX achieves a 0.93% return, which is significantly higher than BLV's 0.81% return.

VBLAX

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: 2.27%
• YTD: 0.93%
• 6M: 1.42%
• 1Y: 6.11%
• 3Y*: 2.07%
• 5Y*: -3.90%
• 10Y*: —

BLV

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 1.61%
• YTD: 0.81%
• 6M: 0.84%
• 1Y: 5.47%
• 3Y*: 1.85%
• 5Y*: -3.65%
• 10Y*: 0.91%

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

VBLAX vs. BLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VBLAX Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.93%	6.57%	-4.14%	7.55%	-27.22%	-3.36%	15.75%	16.45%
BLV Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF	0.81%	6.44%	-3.65%	7.35%	-26.95%	-2.89%	16.13%	17.06%

Correlation

The correlation between VBLAX and BLV is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 7, 2019	0.96

The correlation between VBLAX and BLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VBLAX vs. BLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBLAX

VBLAX Risk / Return Rank: 10
VBLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
VBLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
VBLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VBLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
VBLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

BLV

BLV Risk / Return Rank: 20
BLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
BLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
BLV Omega Ratio Rank: 18
BLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
BLV Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

VBLAX vs. BLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBLAX) and Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV). 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.

	VBLAX	BLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	0.69	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.13	1.04	+0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.12	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.01	0.96	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.49	2.34	+0.15

VBLAX vs. BLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBLAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is comparable to the BLV Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBLAX and BLV, 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

VBLAX vs. BLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBLAX drawdown since its inception was -38.62%, roughly equal to the maximum BLV drawdown of -38.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBLAX and BLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBLAX	BLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.62%	-38.29%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.98%	-5.73%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.92%	-15.16%	+0.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.32%	-36.27%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-38.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.15%	-23.74%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.14%	-9.55%	-8.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.42%	2.34%	+0.08%

Volatility

VBLAX vs. BLV - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBLAX) and Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) have volatilities of 2.04% and 1.97%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	VBLAX	BLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.04%	1.97%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.74%	5.76%	-0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.01%	7.98%	+0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.86%	12.93%	-0.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.62%	11.99%	+0.63%

VBLAX vs. BLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBLAX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than BLV's 0.03% 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

VBLAX vs. BLV - Dividend Comparison

VBLAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.72%, less than BLV's 4.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BLV Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF	4.78%	4.67%	5.09%	4.06%	4.17%	3.37%	6.12%	3.57%	4.07%	3.63%	4.16%	4.37%
VBLAX Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.72%	4.64%	4.61%	4.08%	4.13%	2.62%	5.39%	3.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBLAX and BLV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VBLAX and BLV 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.

Which is riskier, VBLAX or BLV?

VBLAX has higher volatility (2.04%) compared to BLV (1.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBLAX dropped -38.62% vs BLV's -38.29%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBLAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.75 vs 0.69), 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.