VCRB vs. BOND

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VCRB (Vanguard Core Bond ETF) and BOND (PIMCO Active Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCRB is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while BOND is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by PIMCO. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VCRB returned 5.68% vs 6.93% for BOND. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VCRB charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.54%/yr for BOND.

Performance

VCRB vs. BOND - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCRB achieves a 0.65% return, which is significantly lower than BOND's 0.72% return.

VCRB

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 0.65%
• 6M: 0.70%
• 1Y: 5.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BOND

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 0.72%
• 6M: 0.87%
• 1Y: 6.93%
• 3Y*: 5.08%
• 5Y*: 0.59%
• 10Y*: 2.18%

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

VCRB vs. BOND - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	0.65%	7.56%	2.21%	0.65%
BOND PIMCO Active Bond ETF	0.72%	8.39%	2.77%	0.58%

Correlation

The correlation between VCRB and BOND 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2023	0.95

The correlation between VCRB and BOND has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

VCRB vs. BOND - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VCRB	BOND
Technology	0.1%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	100.0%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VCRB vs. BOND — 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: 44
VCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 39

BOND

BOND Risk / Return Rank: 48
BOND Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
BOND Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
BOND Omega Ratio Rank: 50
BOND Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
BOND Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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. BOND - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) and PIMCO Active Bond ETF (BOND). 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	BOND	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	1.76	-0.21
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.59	-0.28
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.32	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	2.21	-0.12
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.30	7.09	-0.79
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. BOND - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is comparable to the BOND Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCRB and BOND, 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	BOND	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.55	1.76	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.43	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.95	0.64	+0.31

Drawdowns

VCRB vs. BOND - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCRB drawdown since its inception was -4.59%, smaller than the maximum BOND drawdown of -19.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCRB and BOND.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCRB	BOND	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.59%	-19.71%	+15.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.63%	-3.01%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.12%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-19.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.22%	-1.33%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.16%	-3.50%	+2.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.87%	0.94%	-0.07%

Volatility

VCRB vs. BOND - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) is 1.21%, while PIMCO Active Bond ETF (BOND) has a volatility of 1.43%. This indicates that VCRB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BOND based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCRB	BOND	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.21%	1.43%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.63%	2.90%	-0.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.69%	3.97%	-0.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.74%	5.76%	-1.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.74%	5.09%	-0.35%

VCRB vs. BOND - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCRB has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than BOND's 0.54% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCRB vs. BOND - Dividend Comparison

VCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.59%, less than BOND's 5.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BOND PIMCO Active Bond ETF	5.17%	5.11%	5.02%	4.06%	3.44%	2.58%	2.66%	3.38%	3.18%	2.87%	2.85%	4.14%
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	4.59%	4.55%	4.22%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCRB and BOND in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VCRB and BOND 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, VCRB or BOND?

BOND has higher volatility (1.43%) compared to VCRB (1.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCRB dropped -4.59% vs BOND's -19.71%.

Which ETF is better, VCRB or BOND?

On 1-year performance, BOND leads with 6.93% vs 5.68% for VCRB. On fees, VCRB is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VCRB has been the lower-risk option at 1.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCRB or BOND?

Over the 1-year period, BOND has performed better with a 6.93% return vs 5.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCRB or BOND?

VCRB is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.54% for BOND.

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

BOND has the higher dividend yield at 5.17%, compared with 4.59% for VCRB.

What is the main difference between VCRB and BOND?

VCRB is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while BOND is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VCRB and 0.54% for BOND.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BOND currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 1.55), 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.