VBMFX vs. VTSAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VBMFX (Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund) and VTSAX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VBMFX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Vanguard, while VTSAX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VBMFX returned 1.45%/yr vs 15.06%/yr for VTSAX. At a correlation of -0.19, they often move in opposite directions. VBMFX charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VTSAX.

Performance

VBMFX vs. VTSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBMFX achieves a 0.38% return, which is significantly lower than VTSAX's 10.72% return. Over the past 10 years, VBMFX has underperformed VTSAX with an annualized return of 1.45%, while VTSAX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.06% annualized return.

VBMFX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 0.96%
• YTD: 0.38%
• 6M: 0.70%
• 1Y: 4.57%
• 3Y*: 3.97%
• 5Y*: -0.09%
• 10Y*: 1.45%

VTSAX

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 10.72%
• 6M: 9.93%
• 1Y: 27.56%
• 3Y*: 20.66%
• 5Y*: 12.87%
• 10Y*: 15.06%

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

VBMFX vs. VTSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBMFX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund	0.38%	7.05%	1.15%	5.62%	-13.25%	-2.04%	7.63%	8.61%	-0.34%	3.45%
VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	10.72%	17.12%	23.23%	26.51%	-19.52%	25.72%	20.98%	30.79%	-5.18%	21.16%

Correlation

The correlation between VBMFX and VTSAX is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	-0.19

The correlation between VBMFX and VTSAX shifts across timeframes, from -0.19 (all time) to 0.30 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VBMFX vs. VTSAX — 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: 20
VBMFX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
VBMFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
VBMFX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

VTSAX

VTSAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VTSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VTSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VTSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VTSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VTSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. VTSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX). 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.

	VBMFX	VTSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	2.14	-0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.77	2.90	-1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.38	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	3.07	-1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.48	13.77	-9.29

VBMFX vs. VTSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBMFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is lower than the VTSAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBMFX and VTSAX, 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

VBMFX vs. VTSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBMFX drawdown since its inception was -19.08%, smaller than the maximum VTSAX drawdown of -55.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBMFX and VTSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBMFX	VTSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.08%	-55.33%	+36.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.91%	-8.92%	+6.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.02%	-19.36%	+13.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.24%	-25.36%	+7.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-19.08%	-34.97%	+15.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.90%	-1.13%	-1.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.70%	-8.99%	+6.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.02%	1.99%	-0.97%

Volatility

VBMFX vs. VTSAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX) is 1.20%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) has a volatility of 4.88%. This indicates that VBMFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTSAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBMFX	VTSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.20%	4.88%	-3.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.85%	10.11%	-7.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.89%	12.80%	-8.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.01%	17.45%	-11.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.98%	18.45%	-13.47%

VBMFX vs. VTSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBMFX has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VTSAX's 0.04% 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. VTSAX - Dividend Comparison

VBMFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.87%, more than VTSAX's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBMFX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund	3.87%	3.76%	3.57%	2.99%	2.49%	1.72%	2.31%	2.63%	2.47%	2.45%	2.43%	2.71%
VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.01%	1.11%	1.26%	1.42%	1.65%	1.20%	1.41%	1.76%	2.03%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBMFX and VTSAX in my portfolio?

VBMFX and VTSAX have a correlation of 0.30, 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 VTSAX?

VTSAX has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to VBMFX (1.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBMFX dropped -19.08% vs VTSAX's -55.33%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.18), 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.