VGMS vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VGMS (Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGMS is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VGMS returned 6.59% vs 5.30% for VPLS. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VGMS charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

VGMS vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF (VGMS) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGMS achieves a 1.30% return, which is significantly higher than VPLS's 0.80% return.

VGMS

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 1.30%
• 6M: 1.52%
• 1Y: 6.59%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPLS

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 0.80%
• 6M: 0.89%
• 1Y: 5.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VGMS vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGMS Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF	1.30%	5.51%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.80%	4.96%

Correlation

The correlation between VGMS and VPLS is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 11, 2025	0.82

The correlation between VGMS and VPLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VGMS vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGMS

VGMS Risk / Return Rank: 65
VGMS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VGMS Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VGMS Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VGMS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VGMS Martin Ratio Rank: 68

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 42
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

VGMS vs. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF (VGMS) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). 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.

	VGMS	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	1.48	+0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	2.19	+0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.26	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	1.96	+0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.17	6.12	+6.05

VGMS vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGMS Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is higher than the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGMS and VPLS, 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

VGMS vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGMS drawdown since its inception was -2.46%, smaller than the maximum VPLS drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGMS and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGMS	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.46%	-4.17%	+1.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.46%	-2.72%	+0.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.35%	-1.06%	+0.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.30%	-1.01%	+0.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.54%	0.87%	-0.33%

Volatility

VGMS vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF (VGMS) has a higher volatility of 1.05% compared to Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) at 0.96%. This indicates that VGMS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGMS	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.05%	0.96%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.65%	2.76%	-0.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.27%	3.61%	-0.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.24%	4.59%	-1.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.24%	4.59%	-1.35%

VGMS vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGMS has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VPLS's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGMS vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

VGMS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.15%, more than VPLS's 4.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
VGMS Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF	5.15%	2.94%	0.00%	0.00%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.75%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGMS and VPLS in my portfolio?

VGMS and VPLS have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGMS or VPLS?

VGMS has higher volatility (1.05%) compared to VPLS (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGMS dropped -2.46% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which ETF is better, VGMS or VPLS?

On 1-year performance, VGMS leads with 6.59% vs 5.30% for VPLS. On fees, VPLS is cheaper at 0.20% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGMS or VPLS?

Over the 1-year period, VGMS has performed better with a 6.59% return vs 5.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGMS or VPLS?

VPLS is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for VGMS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGMS or VPLS?

VGMS has the higher dividend yield at 5.15%, compared with 4.75% for VPLS.

What is the main difference between VGMS and VPLS?

VGMS is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while VPLS is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for VGMS and 0.20% for VPLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGMS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.48), 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.