VCOBX vs. VICSX
VCOBX (Vanguard Core Bond Fund Admiral Shares) and VICSX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VCOBX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while VICSX is a Corporate Bonds fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VCOBX returned 2.19%/yr vs 2.98%/yr for VICSX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VCOBX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VICSX.
Performance
VCOBX vs. VICSX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VCOBX achieves a 0.60% return, which is significantly higher than VICSX's 0.31% return. Over the past 10 years, VCOBX has underperformed VICSX with an annualized return of 2.19%, while VICSX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.98% annualized return.
VCOBX
- 1D
- -0.00%
- 1M
- 0.22%
- YTD
- 0.60%
- 6M
- 0.64%
- 1Y
- 5.73%
- 3Y*
- 4.90%
- 5Y*
- 0.62%
- 10Y*
- 2.19%
VICSX
- 1D
- -0.13%
- 1M
- 0.23%
- YTD
- 0.31%
- 6M
- 0.45%
- 1Y
- 6.45%
- 3Y*
- 6.23%
- 5Y*
- 1.34%
- 10Y*
- 2.98%
VCOBX vs. VICSX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCOBX Vanguard Core Bond Fund Admiral Shares | 0.60% | 7.73% | 2.21% | 6.39% | -13.13% | -1.51% | 10.41% | 9.64% | -0.85% | 3.89% |
VICSX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares | 0.31% | 9.36% | 3.66% | 8.88% | -14.09% | -1.56% | 9.52% | 13.99% | -1.73% | 5.47% |
Correlation
The correlation between VCOBX and VICSX 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 (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.96 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2016 | 0.96 |
The correlation between VCOBX and VICSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 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
VCOBX vs. VICSX — Risk / Return Rank
VCOBX
VICSX
VCOBX vs. VICSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCOBX) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VICSX). 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.
| VCOBX | VICSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.50 | 1.59 | -0.09 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 2.23 | 2.34 | -0.10 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.27 | 1.28 | -0.01 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.17 | 2.18 | -0.01 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.51 | 7.29 | -0.78 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VCOBX | VICSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.50 | 1.59 | -0.09 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.11 | 0.22 | -0.11 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.46 | 0.56 | -0.10 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.49 | 0.85 | -0.37 |
Drawdowns
VCOBX vs. VICSX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VCOBX drawdown since its inception was -18.14%, smaller than the maximum VICSX drawdown of -20.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCOBX and VICSX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VCOBX | VICSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -18.14% | -20.53% | +2.39% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.62% | -2.98% | +0.36% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -5.63% | -6.02% | +0.39% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -18.03% | -20.53% | +2.50% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -18.14% | -20.53% | +2.39% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.25% | -1.21% | -0.04% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.18% | -3.16% | -1.02% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.87% | 0.89% | -0.02% |
Volatility
VCOBX vs. VICSX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Core Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCOBX) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VICSX) have volatilities of 1.33% and 1.37%, 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
| VCOBX | VICSX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.33% | 1.37% | -0.04% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.66% | 2.90% | -0.24% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.69% | 3.94% | -0.25% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 5.78% | 6.17% | -0.39% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.76% | 5.34% | -0.58% |
VCOBX vs. VICSX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VCOBX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than VICSX's 0.07% 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
VCOBX vs. VICSX - Dividend Comparison
VCOBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.73%, which matches VICSX's 4.77% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCOBX Vanguard Core Bond Fund Admiral Shares | 4.73% | 4.80% | 5.04% | 4.44% | 3.01% | 1.23% | 3.09% | 3.08% | 3.10% | 2.20% | 2.29% | 0.00% |
VICSX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares | 4.77% | 4.59% | 4.77% | 3.70% | 3.00% | 2.76% | 2.77% | 3.35% | 3.62% | 3.22% | 3.03% | 3.36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.97, VCOBX and VICSX 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.
VICSX has higher volatility (1.37%) compared to VCOBX (1.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCOBX dropped -18.14% vs VICSX's -20.53%.
VICSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 1.50), 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 VCOBX and VICSX
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