VCRB vs. BFIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VCRB (Vanguard Core Bond ETF) and BFIX (Build Bond Innovation ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VCRB returned 5.60% vs 4.80% for BFIX. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VCRB charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for BFIX.

Performance

VCRB vs. BFIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) and Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCRB achieves a 0.47% return, which is significantly lower than BFIX's 1.27% return.

VCRB

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 0.47%
• 6M: 0.34%
• 1Y: 5.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BFIX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 1.27%
• 6M: 1.32%
• 1Y: 4.80%
• 3Y*: 7.75%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VCRB vs. BFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	0.47%	7.56%	2.21%	0.65%
BFIX Build Bond Innovation ETF	1.27%	5.91%	12.95%	0.51%

Correlation

The correlation between VCRB and BFIX is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2023	0.38

Return for Risk

VCRB vs. BFIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCRB

VCRB Risk / Return Rank: 42
VCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 39

BFIX

BFIX Risk / Return Rank: 61
BFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
BFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
BFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
BFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
BFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

VCRB vs. BFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) and Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX). 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.

	VCRB	BFIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.67	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	2.55	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.32	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.13	5.11	-2.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.38	12.39	-6.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VCRB vs. BFIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the BFIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCRB and BFIX, 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

	VCRB	BFIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.52	1.67	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.93	0.85	+0.09

Drawdowns

VCRB vs. BFIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCRB drawdown since its inception was -4.59%, smaller than the maximum BFIX drawdown of -8.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCRB and BFIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCRB	BFIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.59%	-8.03%	+3.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.63%	-0.94%	-1.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-4.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.40%	-0.40%	-1.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.16%	-2.76%	+1.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	0.39%	+0.49%

Volatility

VCRB vs. BFIX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) has a higher volatility of 1.18% compared to Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX) at 0.89%. This indicates that VCRB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BFIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCRB	BFIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.18%	0.89%	+0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.60%	1.73%	+0.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.69%	2.90%	+0.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.74%	4.77%	-0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.74%	4.77%	-0.03%

VCRB vs. BFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCRB has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than BFIX's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCRB vs. BFIX - Dividend Comparison

VCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.60%, more than BFIX's 3.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BFIX Build Bond Innovation ETF	3.52%	3.73%	4.38%	4.30%	1.58%
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	4.60%	4.55%	4.22%	0.16%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCRB and BFIX in my portfolio?

VCRB and BFIX have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VCRB or BFIX?

VCRB has higher volatility (1.18%) compared to BFIX (0.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCRB dropped -4.59% vs BFIX's -8.03%.

Which ETF is better, VCRB or BFIX?

On 1-year performance, VCRB leads with 5.60% vs 4.80% for BFIX. On fees, VCRB is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, BFIX has been the lower-risk option at 0.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCRB or BFIX?

Over the 1-year period, VCRB has performed better with a 5.60% return vs 4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCRB or BFIX?

VCRB is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for BFIX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VCRB or BFIX?

VCRB has the higher dividend yield at 4.60%, compared with 3.52% for BFIX.

What is the main difference between VCRB and BFIX?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Build. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VCRB and 0.45% for BFIX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 1.52), 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.