VDIGX vs. VUSB

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VDIGX (Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund) and VUSB (Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF) are both funds - VDIGX is a Dividend fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VUSB is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VDIGX returned 9.72%/yr vs 3.45%/yr for VUSB. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VDIGX charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VUSB.

Performance

VDIGX vs. VUSB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VDIGX achieves a 2.20% return, which is significantly higher than VUSB's 1.48% return.

VDIGX

• 1D: 1.30%
• 1M: 2.59%
• YTD: 2.20%
• 6M: 1.59%
• 1Y: 8.70%
• 3Y*: 13.78%
• 5Y*: 9.72%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

VUSB

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 1.48%
• 6M: 1.78%
• 1Y: 4.47%
• 3Y*: 5.40%
• 5Y*: 3.45%
• 10Y*: —

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

VDIGX vs. VUSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VDIGX Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund	2.20%	11.11%	20.84%	8.11%	-4.89%	17.86%
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.48%	5.20%	5.68%	5.52%	-0.36%	0.08%

Correlation

The correlation between VDIGX and VUSB is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.21
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 7, 2021	0.17

The correlation between VDIGX and VUSB shifts across timeframes, from 0.17 (all time) to 0.27 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VDIGX vs. VUSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDIGX

VDIGX Risk / Return Rank: 14
VDIGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
VDIGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
VDIGX Omega Ratio Rank: 13
VDIGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
VDIGX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

VUSB

VUSB Risk / Return Rank: 99
VUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
VUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

VDIGX vs. VUSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB). 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.

	VDIGX	VUSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.74	6.91	-6.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.14	12.46	-11.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	3.34	-2.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.84	12.12	-11.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.21	69.82	-66.61

VDIGX vs. VUSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VDIGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.74, which is lower than the VUSB Sharpe Ratio of 6.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VDIGX and VUSB, 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

VDIGX vs. VUSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDIGX drawdown since its inception was -45.23%, which is greater than VUSB's maximum drawdown of -1.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDIGX and VUSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDIGX	VUSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.23%	-1.79%	-43.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.09%	-0.37%	-8.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.23%	-0.46%	-9.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.18%	-1.79%	-14.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.98%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.51%	0.00%	-0.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.65%	-0.27%	-6.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.37%	0.06%	+2.31%

Volatility

VDIGX vs. VUSB - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund (VDIGX) has a higher volatility of 3.02% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB) at 0.19%. This indicates that VDIGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUSB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VDIGX	VUSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.02%	0.19%	+2.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.84%	0.53%	+7.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.29%	0.65%	+9.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.90%	0.83%	+13.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.71%	0.82%	+14.89%

VDIGX vs. VUSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDIGX has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than VUSB's 0.10% 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%.

Dividends

VDIGX vs. VUSB - Dividend Comparison

VDIGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 24.03%, more than VUSB's 4.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VDIGX Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund	24.03%	21.90%	21.94%	2.29%	6.06%	5.45%	2.83%	4.70%	8.72%	5.16%	2.86%	5.70%
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	4.39%	4.63%	5.16%	4.45%	1.56%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDIGX and VUSB in my portfolio?

VDIGX and VUSB have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VDIGX or VUSB?

VDIGX has higher volatility (3.02%) compared to VUSB (0.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VDIGX dropped -45.23% vs VUSB's -1.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.91 vs 0.74), 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.