VCIT vs. FCBFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) and FCBFX (Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund) are both Corporate Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, VCIT returned 2.93%/yr vs 2.77%/yr for FCBFX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VCIT charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.44%/yr for FCBFX.

Performance

VCIT vs. FCBFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) and Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund (FCBFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCIT achieves a 0.18% return, which is significantly lower than FCBFX's 0.65% return. Over the past 10 years, VCIT has outperformed FCBFX with an annualized return of 2.93%, while FCBFX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.77% annualized return.

VCIT

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 0.18%
• 6M: 0.07%
• 1Y: 6.13%
• 3Y*: 6.00%
• 5Y*: 1.22%
• 10Y*: 2.93%

FCBFX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.94%
• YTD: 0.65%
• 6M: 0.57%
• 1Y: 6.30%
• 3Y*: 5.69%
• 5Y*: 0.52%
• 10Y*: 2.77%

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

VCIT vs. FCBFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	0.18%	9.34%	3.20%	8.98%	-13.98%	-1.77%	9.46%	14.10%	-1.74%	5.31%
FCBFX Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund	0.65%	7.86%	2.82%	8.82%	-17.11%	-1.59%	10.59%	14.48%	-2.56%	6.83%

Correlation

The correlation between VCIT and FCBFX 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	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2010	0.85

The correlation between VCIT and FCBFX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCIT vs. FCBFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCIT

VCIT Risk / Return Rank: 42
VCIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VCIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VCIT Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VCIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VCIT Martin Ratio Rank: 42

FCBFX

FCBFX Risk / Return Rank: 27
FCBFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
FCBFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
FCBFX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
FCBFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
FCBFX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

VCIT vs. FCBFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) and Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund (FCBFX). 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.

	VCIT	FCBFX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.49	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	2.20	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.27	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.08	1.94	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.95	6.31	+0.63
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VCIT vs. FCBFX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCIT Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the FCBFX Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCIT and FCBFX, 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

	VCIT	FCBFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	1.49	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19	0.08	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	0.47	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.71	+0.04

Drawdowns

VCIT vs. FCBFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCIT drawdown since its inception was -20.56%, smaller than the maximum FCBFX drawdown of -23.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCIT and FCBFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCIT	FCBFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.56%	-23.23%	+2.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.96%	-3.31%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.11%	-6.57%	+0.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.56%	-23.21%	+2.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.56%	-23.23%	+2.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-0.94%	-0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.16%	-3.98%	+0.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	1.02%	-0.14%

Volatility

VCIT vs. FCBFX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is 1.38%, while Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund (FCBFX) has a volatility of 1.46%. This indicates that VCIT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FCBFX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCIT	FCBFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.38%	1.46%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.06%	3.14%	-0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.10%	4.31%	-0.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.61%	6.69%	-0.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.28%	5.95%	+0.33%

VCIT vs. FCBFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCIT has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than FCBFX's 0.44% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCIT vs. FCBFX - Dividend Comparison

VCIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.80%, more than FCBFX's 4.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCBFX Fidelity Corporate Bond Fund	4.23%	4.11%	3.95%	3.74%	2.53%	2.82%	3.19%	3.28%	3.65%	3.16%	3.55%	3.01%
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	4.80%	4.62%	4.43%	3.72%	3.03%	2.87%	2.78%	3.37%	3.61%	3.21%	3.29%	3.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCIT and FCBFX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VCIT and FCBFX 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, VCIT or FCBFX?

FCBFX has higher volatility (1.46%) compared to VCIT (1.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCIT dropped -20.56% vs FCBFX's -23.23%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.49), 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.