VGSH vs. VGUS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VGSH (Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF) and VGUS (Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGSH is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 1-3 Year Index, while VGUS is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg Short Treasury Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VGSH returned 2.99% vs 3.85% for VGUS. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VGSH charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VGUS.

Performance

VGSH vs. VGUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGSH achieves a 0.47% return, which is significantly lower than VGUS's 1.61% return.

VGSH

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: 0.47%
• 6M: 0.64%
• 1Y: 2.99%
• 3Y*: 4.20%
• 5Y*: 1.85%
• 10Y*: 1.70%

VGUS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 1.61%
• 6M: 1.69%
• 1Y: 3.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VGSH vs. VGUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	0.47%	4.70%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	1.61%	3.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSH and VGUS is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2025	0.26

Return for Risk

VGSH vs. VGUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSH

VGSH Risk / Return Rank: 77
VGSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VGSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VGSH Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VGSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VGSH Martin Ratio Rank: 72

VGUS

VGUS Risk / Return Rank: 99
VGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

VGSH vs. VGUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). 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.

	VGSH	VGUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.29	11.84	-9.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.63	34.08	-30.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	10.49	-9.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.40	53.13	-49.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.02	402.18	-389.16

VGSH vs. VGUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSH Sharpe Ratio is 2.29, which is lower than the VGUS Sharpe Ratio of 11.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSH and VGUS, 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

VGSH vs. VGUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSH drawdown since its inception was -5.70%, which is greater than VGUS's maximum drawdown of -0.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSH and VGUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSH	VGUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.70%	-0.07%	-5.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.88%	-0.07%	-0.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.97%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-5.66%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-5.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	0.00%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.60%	-0.00%	-0.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.23%	0.01%	+0.22%

Volatility

VGSH vs. VGUS - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) has a higher volatility of 0.45% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS) at 0.11%. This indicates that VGSH's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGSH	VGUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.45%	0.11%	+0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.95%	0.18%	+0.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.31%	0.33%	+0.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.97%	0.34%	+1.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.58%	0.34%	+1.24%

VGSH vs. VGUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGSH has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VGUS's 0.07% 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

VGSH vs. VGUS - Dividend Comparison

VGSH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.88%, more than VGUS's 3.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	3.88%	4.00%	4.18%	3.31%	1.15%	0.66%	1.74%	2.28%	1.79%	1.10%	0.84%	0.69%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	3.60%	3.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGSH and VGUS in my portfolio?

VGSH and VGUS have a correlation of 0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGSH or VGUS?

VGSH has higher volatility (0.45%) compared to VGUS (0.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSH dropped -5.70% vs VGUS's -0.07%.

Which ETF is better, VGSH or VGUS?

On 1-year performance, VGUS leads with 3.85% vs 2.99% for VGSH. On fees, VGSH is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VGUS has been the lower-risk option at 0.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGSH or VGUS?

Over the 1-year period, VGUS has performed better with a 3.85% return vs 2.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGSH or VGUS?

VGSH is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for VGUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGSH or VGUS?

VGSH has the higher dividend yield at 3.88%, compared with 3.60% for VGUS.

What is the main difference between VGSH and VGUS?

VGSH is categorized as Government Bonds, while VGUS is Ultrashort Bond. VGSH tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 1-3 Year Index, while VGUS tracks Bloomberg Short Treasury Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VGSH and 0.07% for VGUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.84 vs 2.29), 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.