VCIT vs. SPBO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) and SPBO (SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds - VCIT tracks the Barclays U.S. 5-10 Year Corp Index while SPBO tracks the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VCIT returned 2.93%/yr vs 2.77%/yr for SPBO. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VCIT charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SPBO.

Performance

VCIT vs. SPBO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) and SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF (SPBO). 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 SPBO's 0.70% return. Over the past 10 years, VCIT has outperformed SPBO with an annualized return of 2.93%, while SPBO 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%

SPBO

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.67%
• YTD: 0.70%
• 6M: 0.47%
• 1Y: 6.29%
• 3Y*: 5.54%
• 5Y*: 0.66%
• 10Y*: 2.77%

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

VCIT vs. SPBO - 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%
SPBO SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF	0.70%	7.83%	2.59%	8.80%	-15.68%	-1.57%	10.17%	14.70%	-1.79%	5.47%

Correlation

The correlation between VCIT and SPBO 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	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2011	0.71

Over the past year, VCIT and SPBO have become more correlated (0.97) than their long-term average of 0.71, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

VCIT vs. SPBO — 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

SPBO

SPBO Risk / Return Rank: 41
SPBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SPBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
SPBO Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SPBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
SPBO Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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. SPBO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) and SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF (SPBO). 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	SPBO	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.45	+0.05
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	2.12	+0.10
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.26	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.08	2.20	-0.12
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.95	6.94	0.00
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. SPBO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCIT Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the SPBO Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCIT and SPBO, 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	SPBO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	1.45	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19	0.09	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	0.37	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.47	+0.28

Drawdowns

VCIT vs. SPBO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCIT drawdown since its inception was -20.56%, smaller than the maximum SPBO drawdown of -22.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCIT and SPBO.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCIT	SPBO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.56%	-22.23%	+1.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.96%	-2.87%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.11%	-6.41%	+0.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.56%	-22.23%	+1.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.56%	-22.23%	+1.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-0.91%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.16%	-4.04%	+0.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	0.91%	-0.03%

Volatility

VCIT vs. SPBO - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) and SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF (SPBO) have volatilities of 1.38% and 1.35%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	VCIT	SPBO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.38%	1.35%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.06%	3.21%	-0.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.10%	4.36%	-0.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.61%	7.18%	-0.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.28%	7.49%	-1.21%

VCIT vs. SPBO - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCIT has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is higher than SPBO's 0.03% 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

VCIT vs. SPBO - Dividend Comparison

VCIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.80%, less than SPBO's 5.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPBO SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF	5.12%	5.09%	5.28%	4.73%	3.54%	2.42%	2.75%	3.46%	3.60%	3.15%	3.35%	3.07%
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 SPBO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VCIT and SPBO 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 SPBO?

VCIT has higher volatility (1.38%) compared to SPBO (1.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCIT dropped -20.56% vs SPBO's -22.23%.

Which ETF is better, VCIT or SPBO?

On 10-year performance, VCIT leads with 2.93% vs 2.77% for SPBO. On fees, SPBO 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.

Which ETF has performed better, VCIT or SPBO?

Over the 10-year period, VCIT has performed better with a 2.93% return vs 2.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCIT or SPBO?

SPBO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.04% for VCIT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VCIT or SPBO?

SPBO has the higher dividend yield at 5.12%, compared with 4.80% for VCIT.

What is the main difference between VCIT and SPBO?

VCIT tracks Barclays U.S. 5-10 Year Corp Index, while SPBO tracks Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VCIT and 0.03% for SPBO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.45), 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.