VICBX vs. BFCAX
VICBX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares) and BFCAX (American Funds Corporate Bond Fund) are both Corporate Bonds funds. Over the past 5 years, VICBX returned 0.71%/yr vs -1.23%/yr for BFCAX. Their correlation of 0.94 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VICBX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for BFCAX.
Performance
VICBX vs. BFCAX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VICBX achieves a -0.64% return, which is significantly higher than BFCAX's -1.55% return.
VICBX
- 1D
- -0.18%
- 1M
- -1.20%
- 6M
- -0.78%
- YTD
- -0.64%
- 1Y
- 2.24%
- 3Y*
- 5.92%
- 5Y*
- 0.71%
- 10Y*
- 2.90%
- ALL TIME*
- 4.38%
BFCAX
- 1D
- -0.22%
- 1M
- -2.02%
- 6M
- -1.78%
- YTD
- -1.55%
- 1Y
- 0.48%
- 3Y*
- 3.71%
- 5Y*
- -1.23%
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 2.18%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
VICBX vs. BFCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VICBX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares | -0.64% | 9.37% | 3.67% | 8.87% | -14.06% | -1.50% | 9.57% | 15.96% | -1.72% | 5.50% |
BFCAX American Funds Corporate Bond Fund | -1.55% | 6.67% | 1.71% | 6.85% | -16.51% | -2.15% | 13.05% | 13.21% | -2.50% | 5.61% |
Correlation
The correlation between VICBX and BFCAX is 0.94, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.94 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.95 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.96 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2017 | 0.94 |
The correlation between VICBX and BFCAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
VICBX vs. BFCAX — Risk / Return Rank
VICBX
BFCAX
VICBX vs. BFCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VICBX) and American Funds Corporate Bond Fund (BFCAX). 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.
| VICBX | BFCAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.49 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.70 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.13 | 1.05 | +0.08 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.03 | 0.39 | +0.64 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.88 | 0.95 | +1.92 |
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Drawdowns
VICBX vs. BFCAX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VICBX drawdown since its inception was -20.55%, smaller than the maximum BFCAX drawdown of -23.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VICBX and BFCAX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VICBX | BFCAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -20.55% | -23.01% | +2.46% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.95% | -3.11% | +0.16% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -5.21% | -5.68% | +0.47% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.32% | -22.55% | +2.23% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -20.55% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.15% | -6.75% | +4.60% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.12% | -6.44% | +3.32% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.05% | 1.28% | -0.23% |
Volatility
VICBX vs. BFCAX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VICBX) is 1.04%, while American Funds Corporate Bond Fund (BFCAX) has a volatility of 1.15%. This indicates that VICBX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BFCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| VICBX | BFCAX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.04% | 1.15% | -0.11% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.09% | 3.34% | -0.25% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.89% | 4.26% | -0.37% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.17% | 6.69% | -0.52% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 5.34% | 5.96% | -0.62% |
VICBX vs. BFCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VICBX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than BFCAX's 0.70% expense ratio.
Dividends
VICBX vs. BFCAX - Dividend Comparison
VICBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.45%, more than BFCAX's 3.91% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BFCAX American Funds Corporate Bond Fund | 3.91% | 4.20% | 4.06% | 2.82% | 1.95% | 1.50% | 4.43% | 3.44% | 2.63% | 2.68% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VICBX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares | 4.45% | 4.61% | 4.79% | 3.72% | 3.02% | 2.82% | 2.79% | 5.01% | 3.64% | 3.23% | 3.32% | 3.39% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.94, VICBX and BFCAX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
BFCAX has higher volatility (1.15%) compared to VICBX (1.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VICBX dropped -20.55% vs BFCAX's -23.01%.
VICBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.78 vs 0.29), 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.
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