VFSIX vs. PFORX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VFSIX (Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares) and PFORX (PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)) are both mutual funds - VFSIX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while PFORX is a Global Bonds fund managed by PIMCO. Over the past 10 years, VFSIX returned 2.60%/yr vs 2.83%/yr for PFORX. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VFSIX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PFORX.

Performance

VFSIX vs. PFORX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares (VFSIX) and PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) (PFORX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFSIX achieves a 0.73% return, which is significantly higher than PFORX's -0.18% return. Over the past 10 years, VFSIX has underperformed PFORX with an annualized return of 2.60%, while PFORX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.83% annualized return.

VFSIX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 0.73%
• 6M: 1.22%
• 1Y: 4.72%
• 3Y*: 5.58%
• 5Y*: 2.33%
• 10Y*: 2.60%

PFORX

• 1D: 0.31%
• 1M: 1.49%
• YTD: -0.18%
• 6M: 0.36%
• 1Y: 2.47%
• 3Y*: 5.31%
• 5Y*: 1.43%
• 10Y*: 2.83%

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

VFSIX vs. PFORX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFSIX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares	0.73%	6.89%	5.12%	5.88%	-5.72%	-0.59%	5.28%	5.88%	1.00%	2.15%
PFORX PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)	-0.18%	4.33%	5.70%	9.52%	-10.33%	-1.67%	6.17%	7.64%	2.64%	3.52%

Correlation

The correlation between VFSIX and PFORX is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 1997	0.42

The correlation between VFSIX and PFORX shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (all time) to 0.55 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VFSIX vs. PFORX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFSIX

VFSIX Risk / Return Rank: 77
VFSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VFSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
VFSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VFSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VFSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 71

PFORX

PFORX Risk / Return Rank: 10
PFORX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
PFORX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
PFORX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
PFORX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
PFORX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

VFSIX vs. PFORX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares (VFSIX) and PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) (PFORX). 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.

	VFSIX	PFORX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	0.63	+1.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.59	0.95	+2.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.12	+0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.72	0.60	+2.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.65	1.78	+8.87

VFSIX vs. PFORX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFSIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is higher than the PFORX Sharpe Ratio of 0.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFSIX and PFORX, 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

VFSIX vs. PFORX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFSIX drawdown since its inception was -9.21%, smaller than the maximum PFORX drawdown of -13.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFSIX and PFORX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFSIX	PFORX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.21%	-13.87%	+4.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.71%	-3.99%	+2.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.71%	-3.99%	+2.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.21%	-13.71%	+4.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-9.21%	-13.87%	+4.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	-1.67%	+1.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.79%	-1.95%	+1.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.43%	1.33%	-0.90%

Volatility

VFSIX vs. PFORX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares (VFSIX) is 0.77%, while PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) (PFORX) has a volatility of 1.33%. This indicates that VFSIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PFORX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFSIX	PFORX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.77%	1.33%	-0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.69%	3.38%	-1.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32%	3.82%	-1.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.99%	3.62%	-0.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.49%	3.16%	-0.67%

VFSIX vs. PFORX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFSIX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than PFORX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFSIX vs. PFORX - Dividend Comparison

VFSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.74%, more than PFORX's 4.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PFORX PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged)	4.12%	4.23%	4.91%	3.02%	3.65%	1.55%	2.46%	6.86%	2.90%	1.46%	1.38%	9.12%
VFSIX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Institutional Shares	4.74%	4.61%	4.19%	2.88%	2.06%	1.81%	2.35%	2.95%	2.80%	2.13%	2.17%	2.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFSIX and PFORX in my portfolio?

VFSIX and PFORX have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFSIX or PFORX?

PFORX has higher volatility (1.33%) compared to VFSIX (0.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFSIX dropped -9.21% vs PFORX's -13.87%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 0.63), 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.