VCIT vs. GIGB
VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) and GIGB (Goldman Sachs Access Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds - VCIT tracks the Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index while GIGB tracks the FTSE Goldman Sachs Investment Grade Corporate Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VCIT returned 1.11%/yr vs 0.31%/yr for GIGB. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VCIT charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for GIGB.
Performance
VCIT vs. GIGB - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VCIT achieves a 0.41% return, which is significantly lower than GIGB's 0.99% return.
VCIT
- 1D
- -0.07%
- 1M
- 0.40%
- YTD
- 0.41%
- 6M
- 0.89%
- 1Y
- 6.00%
- 3Y*
- 6.37%
- 5Y*
- 1.11%
- 10Y*
- 2.93%
GIGB
- 1D
- -0.02%
- 1M
- 0.70%
- YTD
- 0.99%
- 6M
- 1.39%
- 1Y
- 5.80%
- 3Y*
- 5.40%
- 5Y*
- 0.31%
- 10Y*
- —
VCIT vs. GIGB - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF | 0.41% | 9.34% | 3.20% | 8.98% | -13.98% | -1.77% | 9.46% | 14.10% | -1.74% | 1.41% |
GIGB Goldman Sachs Access Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | 0.99% | 7.58% | 1.68% | 8.80% | -15.80% | -1.64% | 9.86% | 15.05% | -2.76% | 2.45% |
Correlation
The correlation between VCIT and GIGB 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 | 0.97 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.97 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 8, 2017 | 0.93 |
The correlation between VCIT and GIGB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VCIT vs. GIGB — Risk / Return Rank
VCIT
GIGB
VCIT vs. GIGB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) and Goldman Sachs Access Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (GIGB). 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.
| VCIT | GIGB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.13 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.21 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.24 | 1.22 | +0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.88 | 1.84 | +0.04 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.07 | 5.74 | +0.34 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VCIT vs. GIGB - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VCIT drawdown since its inception was -20.56%, smaller than the maximum GIGB drawdown of -22.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCIT and GIGB.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VCIT | GIGB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -20.56% | -22.25% | +1.69% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.96% | -2.87% | -0.09% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -6.11% | -6.69% | +0.58% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.56% | -22.25% | +1.69% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -20.56% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.13% | -0.64% | -0.49% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.16% | -5.60% | +2.44% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.92% | 0.92% | 0.00% |
Volatility
VCIT vs. GIGB - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) and Goldman Sachs Access Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (GIGB) have volatilities of 1.48% and 1.43%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VCIT | GIGB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.48% | 1.43% | +0.05% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.15% | 3.23% | -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 | 6.62% | 7.25% | -0.63% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 6.28% | 7.66% | -1.38% |
VCIT vs. GIGB - Expense Ratio Comparison
VCIT has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than GIGB's 0.14% 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
VCIT vs. GIGB - Dividend Comparison
VCIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.79%, more than GIGB's 4.60% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GIGB Goldman Sachs Access Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | 4.60% | 4.69% | 4.45% | 3.67% | 3.12% | 2.25% | 2.62% | 3.22% | 3.31% | 1.55% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF | 4.79% | 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
With a correlation of 0.97, VCIT and GIGB 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.
VCIT has higher volatility (1.48%) compared to GIGB (1.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCIT dropped -20.56% vs GIGB's -22.25%.
On 5-year performance, VCIT leads with 1.11% vs 0.31% for GIGB. On fees, VCIT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, VCIT has performed better with a 1.11% return vs 0.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VCIT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.14% for GIGB.
VCIT has the higher dividend yield at 4.79%, compared with 4.60% for GIGB.
VCIT tracks Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index, while GIGB tracks FTSE Goldman Sachs Investment Grade Corporate Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Goldman Sachs. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VCIT and 0.14% for GIGB.
VCIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.36 vs 1.23), 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.
Find the right allocation for VCIT and GIGB
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer