VFIIX vs. VFSTX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VFIIX (Vanguard GNMA Fund Investor Shares) and VFSTX (Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Investor Shares) are both Total Bond Market funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VFIIX returned 1.29%/yr vs 2.48%/yr for VFSTX. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFIIX charges 0.21%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VFSTX.

Performance

VFIIX vs. VFSTX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFIIX achieves a 0.68% return, which is significantly higher than VFSTX's 0.38% return. Over the past 10 years, VFIIX has underperformed VFSTX with an annualized return of 1.29%, while VFSTX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.48% annualized return.

VFIIX

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 0.68%
• 6M: 1.10%
• 1Y: 5.32%
• 3Y*: 4.14%
• 5Y*: 0.47%
• 10Y*: 1.29%

VFSTX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 0.38%
• 6M: 0.86%
• 1Y: 3.98%
• 3Y*: 5.52%
• 5Y*: 2.26%
• 10Y*: 2.48%

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

VFIIX vs. VFSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFIIX Vanguard GNMA Fund Investor Shares	0.68%	7.73%	1.07%	5.17%	-10.81%	-1.24%	3.73%	5.84%	0.89%	1.88%
VFSTX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Investor Shares	0.38%	6.75%	4.98%	6.06%	-5.84%	-0.70%	5.16%	5.75%	0.87%	2.02%

Correlation

The correlation between VFIIX and VFSTX is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 29, 1982	0.71

The correlation between VFIIX and VFSTX shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (all time) to 0.88 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VFIIX vs. VFSTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFIIX

VFIIX Risk / Return Rank: 28
VFIIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VFIIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
VFIIX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
VFIIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VFIIX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

VFSTX

VFSTX Risk / Return Rank: 54
VFSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VFSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VFSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VFSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VFSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

VFIIX vs. VFSTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard GNMA Fund Investor Shares (VFIIX) and Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Investor Shares (VFSTX). 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.

	VFIIX	VFSTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.81	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.06	3.15	-1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.40	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	2.46	-0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.10	9.40	-3.30

VFIIX vs. VFSTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFIIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the VFSTX Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFIIX and VFSTX, 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

VFIIX vs. VFSTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFIIX drawdown since its inception was -25.80%, which is greater than VFSTX's maximum drawdown of -9.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFIIX and VFSTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFIIX	VFSTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.80%	-9.35%	-16.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.83%	-1.71%	-1.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.97%	-1.71%	-5.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.79%	-9.35%	-6.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.20%	-9.35%	-6.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.48%	-0.64%	-0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.98%	-1.12%	-1.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	0.45%	+0.46%

Volatility

VFIIX vs. VFSTX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard GNMA Fund Investor Shares (VFIIX) has a higher volatility of 1.21% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Investor Shares (VFSTX) at 0.78%. This indicates that VFIIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFSTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFIIX	VFSTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.21%	0.78%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.01%	1.71%	+1.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.98%	2.32%	+1.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.22%	2.98%	+3.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.71%	2.48%	+2.23%

VFIIX vs. VFSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFIIX has a 0.21% expense ratio, which is higher than VFSTX's 0.20% 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

VFIIX vs. VFSTX - Dividend Comparison

VFIIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.69%, less than VFSTX's 4.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIIX Vanguard GNMA Fund Investor Shares	3.69%	3.62%	3.58%	3.23%	2.34%	0.63%	1.87%	2.76%	2.90%	2.64%	3.01%	2.84%
VFSTX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Investor Shares	4.62%	4.48%	4.06%	3.05%	1.93%	1.70%	2.24%	2.83%	2.68%	2.00%	2.04%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFIIX and VFSTX in my portfolio?

VFIIX and VFSTX have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFIIX or VFSTX?

VFIIX has higher volatility (1.21%) compared to VFSTX (0.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFIIX dropped -25.80% vs VFSTX's -9.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFSTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 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.