VCEB vs. VTC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VCEB (Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF) and VTC (Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds from Vanguard - VCEB tracks the Bloomberg Barclays MSCI US Corp SRI Select Index while VTC tracks the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VCEB returned 0.51%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for VTC. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VCEB charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VTC.

Performance

VCEB vs. VTC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCEB achieves a 0.32% return, which is significantly lower than VTC's 0.60% return.

VCEB

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.67%
• YTD: 0.32%
• 6M: 0.15%
• 1Y: 5.34%
• 3Y*: 5.05%
• 5Y*: 0.51%
• 10Y*: —

VTC

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 0.60%
• 6M: 0.33%
• 1Y: 5.99%
• 3Y*: 5.22%
• 5Y*: 0.51%
• 10Y*: —

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

VCEB vs. VTC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VCEB Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF	0.32%	7.48%	2.23%	8.52%	-15.15%	-1.99%	2.46%
VTC Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF	0.60%	7.58%	2.15%	8.58%	-15.68%	-1.41%	3.15%

Correlation

The correlation between VCEB and VTC 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 Sep 25, 2020	0.98

The correlation between VCEB and VTC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCEB vs. VTC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCEB

VCEB Risk / Return Rank: 36
VCEB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
VCEB Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VCEB Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VCEB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VCEB Martin Ratio Rank: 37

VTC

VTC Risk / Return Rank: 39
VTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VTC Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VTC Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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. VTC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF (VCEB) and Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC). 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	VTC	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	1.38	-0.10
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	2.02	-0.15
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.24	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	2.09	-0.19
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.87	6.63	-0.76
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. VTC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCEB Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is comparable to the VTC Sharpe Ratio of 1.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCEB and VTC, 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	VTC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.28	1.38	-0.10
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08	0.07	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.05	0.32	-0.27

Drawdowns

VCEB vs. VTC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCEB drawdown since its inception was -21.60%, roughly equal to the maximum VTC drawdown of -22.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCEB and VTC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCEB	VTC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.60%	-22.05%	+0.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	-2.88%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.09%	-6.46%	+0.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.39%	-22.05%	+0.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.05%	-0.99%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.63%	-5.84%	-1.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	0.90%	+0.01%

Volatility

VCEB vs. VTC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF (VCEB) is 1.32%, while Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC) has a volatility of 1.43%. This indicates that VCEB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCEB	VTC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.32%	1.43%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.11%	3.22%	-0.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.19%	4.37%	-0.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.84%	7.08%	-0.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.66%	7.68%	-1.02%

VCEB vs. VTC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCEB has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is higher than VTC'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

VCEB vs. VTC - Dividend Comparison

VCEB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.65%, less than VTC's 4.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCEB Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF	4.65%	4.57%	4.47%	3.70%	2.84%	1.69%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTC Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF	4.93%	4.76%	4.50%	3.80%	3.13%	2.36%	2.69%	3.34%	3.53%	0.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCEB and VTC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VCEB and VTC 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 VTC?

VTC has higher volatility (1.43%) compared to VCEB (1.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCEB dropped -21.60% vs VTC's -22.05%.

Which ETF is better, VCEB or VTC?

On 5-year performance, VTC leads with 0.51% vs 0.51% for VCEB. On fees, VTC is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VCEB has been the lower-risk option at 1.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCEB or VTC?

Over the 5-year period, VTC has performed better with a 0.51% return vs 0.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCEB or VTC?

VTC is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for VCEB.

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

VTC has the higher dividend yield at 4.93%, compared with 4.65% for VCEB.

What is the main difference between VCEB and VTC?

VCEB tracks Bloomberg Barclays MSCI US Corp SRI Select Index, while VTC tracks Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Bond Index. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for VCEB and 0.04% for VTC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.38 vs 1.28), 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.