VCRB vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VCRB (Vanguard Core Bond ETF) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCRB is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VCRB returned 4.77% vs 5.14% for VPLS. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VCRB charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

VCRB vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) 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, VCRB achieves a 0.73% return, which is significantly lower than VPLS's 0.90% return.

VCRB

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 0.73%
• 6M: 0.80%
• 1Y: 4.77%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPLS

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 0.90%
• 6M: 1.01%
• 1Y: 5.14%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VCRB vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	0.73%	7.56%	2.21%	0.95%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.90%	7.86%	2.72%	1.46%

Correlation

The correlation between VCRB and VPLS is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2023	0.97

The correlation between VCRB and VPLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCRB vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCRB

VCRB Risk / Return Rank: 38
VCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
VCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 35

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 41
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
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.

VCRB vs. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VCRB	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	1.44	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	2.13	-0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.26	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	1.90	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.16	5.92	-0.76

VCRB vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is comparable to the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCRB 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

VCRB vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCRB drawdown since its inception was -4.59%, which is greater than VPLS's maximum drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCRB and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCRB	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.59%	-4.17%	-0.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.63%	-2.72%	+0.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.14%	-0.96%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.16%	-1.01%	-0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	0.87%	+0.06%

Volatility

VCRB vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) have volatilities of 0.94% and 0.96%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	VCRB	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.94%	0.96%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.66%	2.75%	-0.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.61%	3.60%	+0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.72%	4.59%	+0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.72%	4.59%	+0.13%

VCRB vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCRB has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than VPLS's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VCRB vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

VCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.59%, less than VPLS's 4.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	4.59%	4.55%	4.22%	0.16%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.75%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCRB and VPLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VCRB 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, VCRB or VPLS?

VPLS has higher volatility (0.96%) compared to VCRB (0.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCRB dropped -4.59% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which ETF is better, VCRB or VPLS?

On 1-year performance, VPLS leads with 5.14% vs 4.77% for VCRB. On fees, VCRB is cheaper at 0.10% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCRB or VPLS?

Over the 1-year period, VPLS has performed better with a 5.14% return vs 4.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCRB or VPLS?

VCRB is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for VPLS.

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

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.75%, compared with 4.59% for VCRB.

What is the main difference between VCRB and VPLS?

VCRB is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while VPLS is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VCRB and 0.20% for VPLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.33), 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.