VCEB vs. BGRN

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VCEB (Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF) and BGRN (iShares USD Green Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCEB is a Corporate Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg Barclays MSCI US Corp SRI Select Index, while BGRN is a Global Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg MSCI USD Green Bond Select Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VCEB returned 0.66%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for BGRN. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VCEB charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for BGRN.

Performance

VCEB vs. BGRN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF (VCEB) and iShares USD Green Bond ETF (BGRN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCEB achieves a 0.50% return, which is significantly lower than BGRN's 0.64% return.

VCEB

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 0.50%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: 5.58%
• 3Y*: 5.11%
• 5Y*: 0.66%
• 10Y*: —

BGRN

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 0.64%
• 6M: 0.83%
• 1Y: 5.42%
• 3Y*: 4.82%
• 5Y*: 0.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

VCEB vs. BGRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VCEB Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF	0.50%	7.48%	2.23%	8.52%	-15.15%	-1.99%	2.46%
BGRN iShares USD Green Bond ETF	0.64%	7.27%	2.77%	6.50%	-13.06%	-2.80%	1.69%

Correlation

The correlation between VCEB and BGRN is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2020	0.89

The correlation between VCEB and BGRN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCEB vs. BGRN — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCEB

VCEB Risk / Return Rank: 37
VCEB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VCEB Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VCEB Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VCEB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VCEB Martin Ratio Rank: 38

BGRN

BGRN Risk / Return Rank: 52
BGRN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
BGRN Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
BGRN Omega Ratio Rank: 53
BGRN Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
BGRN Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

VCEB vs. BGRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF (VCEB) and iShares USD Green Bond ETF (BGRN). 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.

	VCEB	BGRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	1.84	-0.50
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.96	2.82	-0.86
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.34	-0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	2.33	-0.41
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.96	7.86	-1.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VCEB vs. BGRN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCEB Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is comparable to the BGRN Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCEB and BGRN, 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

	VCEB	BGRN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.34	1.84	-0.50
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.10	0.12	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.06	0.46	-0.40

Drawdowns

VCEB vs. BGRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCEB drawdown since its inception was -21.60%, which is greater than BGRN's maximum drawdown of -19.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCEB and BGRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCEB	BGRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.60%	-19.16%	-2.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	-2.23%	-0.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.09%	-4.55%	-1.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.39%	-18.73%	-2.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.87%	-0.63%	-0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.64%	-5.79%	-1.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	0.66%	+0.25%

Volatility

VCEB vs. BGRN - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF (VCEB) has a higher volatility of 1.34% compared to iShares USD Green Bond ETF (BGRN) at 1.06%. This indicates that VCEB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BGRN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCEB	BGRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.34%	1.06%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.14%	2.26%	+0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.19%	2.97%	+1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.84%	5.46%	+1.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.66%	5.00%	+1.66%

VCEB vs. BGRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCEB has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than BGRN's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VCEB vs. BGRN - Dividend Comparison

VCEB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.64%, more than BGRN's 4.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BGRN iShares USD Green Bond ETF	4.28%	4.21%	4.07%	3.52%	2.66%	0.78%	1.82%	3.66%	0.21%
VCEB Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF	4.64%	4.57%	4.47%	3.70%	2.84%	1.69%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCEB and BGRN in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VCEB and BGRN 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, VCEB or BGRN?

VCEB has higher volatility (1.34%) compared to BGRN (1.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCEB dropped -21.60% vs BGRN's -19.16%.

Which ETF is better, VCEB or BGRN?

On 5-year performance, VCEB leads with 0.66% vs 0.63% for BGRN. On fees, VCEB is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, BGRN has been the lower-risk option at 1.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCEB or BGRN?

Over the 5-year period, VCEB has performed better with a 0.66% return vs 0.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCEB or BGRN?

VCEB is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for BGRN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VCEB or BGRN?

VCEB has the higher dividend yield at 4.64%, compared with 4.28% for BGRN.

What is the main difference between VCEB and BGRN?

VCEB is categorized as Corporate Bonds, while BGRN is Global Bonds. VCEB tracks Bloomberg Barclays MSCI US Corp SRI Select Index, while BGRN tracks Bloomberg MSCI USD Green Bond Select Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for VCEB and 0.20% for BGRN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BGRN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.34), 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.