VCPAX vs. VTC
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCPAX) and Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC).
VCPAX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Oct 25, 2021. VTC is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Bond Index. It was launched on Nov 7, 2017.
Performance
VCPAX vs. VTC - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
VCPAX vs. VTC - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCPAX Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares | -0.41% | 8.06% | 2.95% | 6.80% | -12.60% | 0.32% |
VTC Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF | -0.26% | 7.58% | 2.15% | 8.58% | -15.68% | -0.26% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VCPAX achieves a -0.41% return, which is significantly lower than VTC's -0.26% return.
VCPAX
- 1D
- 0.47%
- 1M
- -2.20%
- YTD
- -0.41%
- 6M
- 0.76%
- 1Y
- 4.63%
- 3Y*
- 4.80%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
VTC
- 1D
- 0.55%
- 1M
- -1.83%
- YTD
- -0.26%
- 6M
- 0.39%
- 1Y
- 4.99%
- 3Y*
- 4.65%
- 5Y*
- 0.63%
- 10Y*
- —
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VCPAX vs. VTC - Expense Ratio Comparison
VCPAX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VTC's 0.04% 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%.
Return for Risk
VCPAX vs. VTC — Risk / Return Rank
VCPAX
VTC
VCPAX vs. VTC - 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 Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC). 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.
| VCPAX | VTC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.19 | 0.92 | +0.27 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.72 | 1.28 | +0.43 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.22 | 1.18 | +0.04 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.96 | 1.79 | +0.17 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.49 | 5.39 | +1.10 |
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 graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VCPAX | VTC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.19 | 0.92 | +0.27 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | — | 0.09 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.15 | 0.31 | -0.16 |
Correlation
The correlation between VCPAX and VTC is 0.92, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
VCPAX vs. VTC - Dividend Comparison
VCPAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.45%, less than VTC's 4.86% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCPAX Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares | 4.45% | 4.86% | 5.19% | 4.55% | 3.26% | 0.27% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VTC Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF | 4.86% | 4.76% | 4.50% | 3.80% | 3.13% | 2.36% | 2.69% | 3.34% | 3.53% | 0.55% |
Drawdowns
VCPAX vs. VTC - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VCPAX drawdown since its inception was -17.25%, smaller than the maximum VTC drawdown of -22.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCPAX and VTC.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VCPAX | VTC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -17.25% | -22.05% | +4.80% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.72% | -2.89% | +0.17% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -22.05% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.20% | -1.83% | -0.37% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.65% | -5.94% | -0.71% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.82% | 0.96% | -0.14% |
Volatility
VCPAX vs. VTC - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Fund Admiral Shares (VCPAX) is 1.56%, while Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC) has a volatility of 2.19%. This indicates that VCPAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VCPAX | VTC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.56% | 2.19% | -0.63% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.35% | 3.02% | -0.67% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.04% | 5.44% | -1.40% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 5.70% | 7.08% | -1.38% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.70% | 7.74% | -2.04% |