VCPAX vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VCPAX (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both funds - VCPAX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. Over the past year, VCPAX returned 5.52% vs 5.30% for VPLS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.20% expense ratio.

Performance

VCPAX vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCPAX) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCPAX achieves a 0.95% return, which is significantly higher than VPLS's 0.80% return.

VCPAX

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 0.93%
• YTD: 0.95%
• 6M: 1.07%
• 1Y: 5.52%
• 3Y*: 5.41%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPLS

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 0.80%
• 6M: 0.89%
• 1Y: 5.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VCPAX vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VCPAX Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares	0.95%	8.06%	2.95%	2.42%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.80%	7.86%	2.72%	2.83%

Correlation

The correlation between VCPAX and VPLS is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.96

The correlation between VCPAX and VPLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCPAX vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCPAX

VCPAX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VCPAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
VCPAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VCPAX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VCPAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VCPAX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 42
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

VCPAX vs. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCPAX) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). 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.

	VCPAX	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	1.48	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.19	+0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.26	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.11	1.96	+0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.48	6.12	+0.37

VCPAX vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCPAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCPAX and VPLS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VCPAX vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCPAX drawdown since its inception was -17.25%, which is greater than VPLS's maximum drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCPAX and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCPAX	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.25%	-4.17%	-13.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.65%	-2.72%	+0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-1.06%	+0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.39%	-1.01%	-5.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.86%	0.87%	-0.01%

Volatility

VCPAX vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCPAX) has a higher volatility of 1.14% compared to Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) at 0.96%. This indicates that VCPAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCPAX	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.14%	0.96%	+0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.68%	2.76%	-0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.53%	3.61%	-0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.62%	4.59%	+1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.62%	4.59%	+1.03%

VCPAX vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VCPAX and VPLS have an expense ratio of 0.20%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VCPAX vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

VCPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.83%, more than VPLS's 4.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VCPAX Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares	4.83%	4.86%	5.19%	4.55%	3.26%	0.27%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.75%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCPAX and VPLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VCPAX and VPLS 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, VCPAX or VPLS?

VCPAX has higher volatility (1.14%) compared to VPLS (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCPAX dropped -17.25% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCPAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 1.48), 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.