VFIDX vs. VFSUX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VFIDX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares) and VFSUX (Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares) are both Total Bond Market funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VFIDX returned 2.76%/yr vs 2.60%/yr for VFSUX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.10% expense ratio.

Performance

VFIDX vs. VFSUX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VFIDX) and Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VFSUX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFIDX achieves a 0.20% return, which is significantly lower than VFSUX's 0.53% return. Over the past 10 years, VFIDX has outperformed VFSUX with an annualized return of 2.76%, while VFSUX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.60% annualized return.

VFIDX

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 0.78%
• YTD: 0.20%
• 6M: 0.73%
• 1Y: 5.79%
• 3Y*: 6.21%
• 5Y*: 1.23%
• 10Y*: 2.76%

VFSUX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 0.53%
• 6M: 0.91%
• 1Y: 4.40%
• 3Y*: 5.63%
• 5Y*: 2.38%
• 10Y*: 2.60%

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

VFIDX vs. VFSUX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFIDX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares	0.20%	9.67%	3.29%	8.63%	-13.77%	-1.51%	10.44%	10.50%	-0.44%	4.28%
VFSUX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares	0.53%	6.87%	5.08%	6.17%	-5.75%	-0.62%	5.26%	5.85%	0.98%	2.13%

Correlation

The correlation between VFIDX and VFSUX is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 12, 2001	0.85

The correlation between VFIDX and VFSUX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VFIDX vs. VFSUX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFIDX

VFIDX Risk / Return Rank: 27
VFIDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
VFIDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
VFIDX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
VFIDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VFIDX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VFSUX

VFSUX Risk / Return Rank: 60
VFSUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VFSUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
VFSUX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
VFSUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
VFSUX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

VFIDX vs. VFSUX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VFIDX) and Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VFSUX). 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.

	VFIDX	VFSUX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.89	-0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	3.31	-1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.43	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	2.59	-0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.84	10.04	-4.20

VFIDX vs. VFSUX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFIDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the VFSUX Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFIDX and VFSUX, 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

VFIDX vs. VFSUX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFIDX drawdown since its inception was -20.14%, which is greater than VFSUX's maximum drawdown of -9.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFIDX and VFSUX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFIDX	VFSUX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.14%	-9.24%	-10.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.34%	-1.71%	-1.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.08%	-1.71%	-4.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.14%	-9.24%	-10.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.14%	-9.24%	-10.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.29%	-0.52%	-0.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.60%	-0.87%	-1.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	0.44%	+0.57%

Volatility

VFIDX vs. VFSUX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VFIDX) has a higher volatility of 1.38% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VFSUX) at 0.80%. This indicates that VFIDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFSUX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFIDX	VFSUX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.38%	0.80%	+0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.23%	1.73%	+1.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.25%	2.33%	+1.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.40%	2.99%	+3.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.20%	2.49%	+2.71%

VFIDX vs. VFSUX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VFIDX and VFSUX have an expense ratio of 0.10%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VFIDX vs. VFSUX - Dividend Comparison

VFIDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.10%, more than VFSUX's 4.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIDX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares	5.10%	4.91%	4.65%	3.90%	3.20%	3.61%	5.80%	3.13%	3.32%	3.06%	3.94%	3.64%
VFSUX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares	4.73%	4.59%	4.16%	3.14%	2.03%	1.79%	2.34%	2.92%	2.79%	2.11%	2.14%	2.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFIDX and VFSUX in my portfolio?

VFIDX and VFSUX have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFIDX or VFSUX?

VFIDX has higher volatility (1.38%) compared to VFSUX (0.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFIDX dropped -20.14% vs VFSUX's -9.24%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFSUX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.40), 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.