VBMFX vs. VCRM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VBMFX (Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund) and VCRM (Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both funds - VBMFX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Vanguard, while VCRM is a Municipal Bonds fund tracking the S&P Broad AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index. Over the past year, VBMFX returned 4.35% vs 8.13% for VCRM. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VBMFX charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for VCRM.

Performance

VBMFX vs. VCRM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX) and Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBMFX achieves a 0.17% return, which is significantly lower than VCRM's 2.08% return.

VBMFX

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 0.17%
• 6M: 0.29%
• 1Y: 4.35%
• 3Y*: 3.86%
• 5Y*: -0.01%
• 10Y*: 1.44%

VCRM

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 2.08%
• 6M: 2.57%
• 1Y: 8.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VBMFX vs. VCRM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VBMFX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund	0.17%	7.05%	-0.12%
VCRM Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	2.08%	4.91%	-0.58%

Correlation

The correlation between VBMFX and VCRM is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 22, 2024	0.67

The correlation between VBMFX and VCRM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VBMFX vs. VCRM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBMFX

VBMFX Risk / Return Rank: 20
VBMFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VBMFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
VBMFX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
VBMFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
VBMFX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

VCRM

VCRM Risk / Return Rank: 77
VCRM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
VCRM Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
VCRM Omega Ratio Rank: 91
VCRM Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VCRM Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

VBMFX vs. VCRM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX) and Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM). 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.

	VBMFX	VCRM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	2.68	-1.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	3.96	-2.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.58	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.73	3.00	-1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.18	11.11	-5.94
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VBMFX vs. VCRM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBMFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is lower than the VCRM Sharpe Ratio of 2.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBMFX and VCRM, 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

	VBMFX	VCRM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.27	2.68	-1.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.00	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.96	1.09	-0.13

Drawdowns

VBMFX vs. VCRM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBMFX drawdown since its inception was -19.08%, which is greater than VCRM's maximum drawdown of -4.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBMFX and VCRM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBMFX	VCRM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.08%	-4.12%	-14.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.91%	-2.72%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.24%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.08%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.11%	-0.13%	-2.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.70%	-1.13%	-1.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	0.73%	+0.24%

Volatility

VBMFX vs. VCRM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX) has a higher volatility of 1.32% compared to Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM) at 0.98%. This indicates that VBMFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VCRM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBMFX	VCRM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.32%	0.98%	+0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.77%	2.17%	+0.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.95%	3.05%	+0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.01%	3.89%	+2.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.98%	3.89%	+1.09%

VBMFX vs. VCRM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBMFX has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VCRM's 0.12% 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

VBMFX vs. VCRM - Dividend Comparison

VBMFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.88%, more than VCRM's 3.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBMFX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund	3.88%	3.76%	3.57%	2.99%	2.49%	1.72%	2.31%	2.63%	2.47%	2.45%	2.43%	2.71%
VCRM Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	3.63%	3.42%	0.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBMFX and VCRM in my portfolio?

VBMFX and VCRM have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VBMFX or VCRM?

VBMFX has higher volatility (1.32%) compared to VCRM (0.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBMFX dropped -19.08% vs VCRM's -4.12%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCRM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs 1.27), 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.