VFSUX vs. VFTAX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VFSUX (Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares) and VFTAX (Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VFSUX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while VFTAX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the FTSE US Choice Index. Over the past 5 years, VFSUX returned 2.37%/yr vs 12.61%/yr for VFTAX. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VFSUX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for VFTAX.

Performance

VFSUX vs. VFTAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFSUX achieves a 0.72% return, which is significantly lower than VFTAX's 7.79% return.

VFSUX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 0.72%
• 6M: 1.21%
• 1Y: 4.70%
• 3Y*: 5.67%
• 5Y*: 2.37%
• 10Y*: 2.61%

VFTAX

• 1D: 1.92%
• 1M: -1.28%
• YTD: 7.79%
• 6M: 8.33%
• 1Y: 24.72%
• 3Y*: 21.32%
• 5Y*: 12.61%
• 10Y*: —

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

VFSUX vs. VFTAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VFSUX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares	0.72%	6.87%	5.08%	6.17%	-5.75%	-0.62%	5.26%	4.98%
VFTAX Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Admiral Shares	7.79%	17.25%	25.97%	31.78%	-24.22%	27.70%	22.63%	23.59%

Correlation

The correlation between VFSUX and VFTAX is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 7, 2019	0.11

The correlation between VFSUX and VFTAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.11 (all time) to 0.29 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VFSUX vs. VFTAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFSUX	VFTAX
Communication Services	100.0%	13.9%
Healthcare	100.0%	9.4%
Technology	0.1%	41.4%
Real Estate	0.0%	2.2%
Basic Materials	-	1.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	12.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.9%
Energy	-	0.0%
Financial Services	-	11.5%
Industrials	-	3.6%
Utilities	-	0.1%

Return for Risk

VFSUX vs. VFTAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFSUX

VFSUX Risk / Return Rank: 77
VFSUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VFSUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
VFSUX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VFSUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VFSUX Martin Ratio Rank: 70

VFTAX

VFTAX Risk / Return Rank: 50
VFTAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VFTAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VFTAX Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VFTAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VFTAX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

VFSUX vs. VFTAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VFSUX	VFTAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.71	+0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.58	2.33	+1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.31	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	2.00	+0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.58	8.34	+2.24

VFSUX vs. VFTAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFSUX Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the VFTAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFSUX and VFTAX, 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

VFSUX vs. VFTAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFSUX drawdown since its inception was -9.24%, smaller than the maximum VFTAX drawdown of -34.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFSUX and VFTAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFSUX	VFTAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.24%	-34.20%	+24.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.71%	-11.84%	+10.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.71%	-20.18%	+18.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.24%	-29.12%	+19.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-9.24%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-3.47%	+3.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.87%	-6.26%	+5.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.44%	2.84%	-2.40%

Volatility

VFSUX vs. VFTAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VFSUX) is 0.77%, while Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFTAX) has a volatility of 5.12%. This indicates that VFSUX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFTAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFSUX	VFTAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.77%	5.12%	-4.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.69%	11.00%	-9.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32%	13.88%	-11.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.99%	18.45%	-15.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.49%	20.79%	-18.30%

VFSUX vs. VFTAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFSUX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than VFTAX's 0.14% 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

VFSUX vs. VFTAX - Dividend Comparison

VFSUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.72%, more than VFTAX's 0.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFSUX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares	4.72%	4.59%	4.16%	3.14%	2.03%	1.79%	2.34%	2.92%	2.79%	2.11%	2.14%	2.09%
VFTAX Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.82%	0.85%	0.99%	1.10%	1.34%	0.94%	1.21%	1.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFSUX and VFTAX in my portfolio?

VFSUX and VFTAX have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFSUX or VFTAX?

VFTAX has higher volatility (5.12%) compared to VFSUX (0.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFSUX dropped -9.24% vs VFTAX's -34.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFSUX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.71), 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.