VFSUX vs. VTABX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VFSUX (Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares) and VTABX (Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VFSUX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard, while VTABX is a Global Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped Index Hedged. Over the past 10 years, VFSUX returned 2.61%/yr vs 1.77%/yr for VTABX. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.10% expense ratio.

Performance

VFSUX vs. VTABX - 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 Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTABX). 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 higher than VTABX's 0.56% return. Over the past 10 years, VFSUX has outperformed VTABX with an annualized return of 2.61%, while VTABX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.77% annualized 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%

VTABX

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: 0.56%
• 6M: 0.91%
• 1Y: 1.74%
• 3Y*: 4.15%
• 5Y*: 0.30%
• 10Y*: 1.77%

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

VFSUX vs. VTABX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFSUX Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares	0.72%	6.87%	5.08%	6.17%	-5.75%	-0.62%	5.26%	5.85%	0.98%	2.13%
VTABX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.56%	2.96%	3.92%	8.77%	-12.92%	-2.22%	4.54%	8.83%	2.97%	2.39%

Correlation

The correlation between VFSUX and VTABX is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2013	0.57

The correlation between VFSUX and VTABX shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (1 year) to 0.66 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VFSUX vs. VTABX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFSUX	VTABX
Communication Services	100.0%	0.0%
Healthcare	100.0%	0.0%
Technology	0.1%	100.0%
Real Estate	0.0%	0.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.0%
Financial Services	-	0.0%
Industrials	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

VFSUX vs. VTABX — 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

VTABX

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

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. VTABX - 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 Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTABX). 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	VTABX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	0.64	+1.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.58	0.92	+2.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.11	+0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	0.67	+2.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.58	1.84	+8.74

VFSUX vs. VTABX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFSUX Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is higher than the VTABX Sharpe Ratio of 0.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFSUX and VTABX, 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. VTABX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFSUX drawdown since its inception was -9.24%, smaller than the maximum VTABX drawdown of -16.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFSUX and VTABX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFSUX	VTABX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.24%	-16.16%	+6.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.71%	-2.90%	+1.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.71%	-2.90%	+1.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.24%	-15.81%	+6.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-9.24%	-16.16%	+6.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-1.30%	+0.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.87%	-3.04%	+2.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.44%	1.06%	-0.62%

Volatility

VFSUX vs. VTABX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VFSUX) is 0.77%, while Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTABX) has a volatility of 1.27%. This indicates that VFSUX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTABX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFSUX	VTABX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.77%	1.27%	-0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.69%	2.61%	-0.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32%	3.08%	-0.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.99%	4.45%	-1.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.49%	3.62%	-1.13%

VFSUX vs. VTABX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VFSUX and VTABX 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

VFSUX vs. VTABX - Dividend Comparison

VFSUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.72%, more than VTABX's 4.46% 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%
VTABX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.46%	4.36%	4.33%	4.39%	1.48%	3.70%	1.08%	4.28%	3.00%	2.23%	1.80%	1.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFSUX and VTABX in my portfolio?

VFSUX and VTABX have a correlation of 0.56, 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 VTABX?

VTABX has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to VFSUX (0.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFSUX dropped -9.24% vs VTABX's -16.16%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFSUX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 0.64), 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.