VICBX vs. FCBAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VICBX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares) and FCBAX (Fidelity Advisor Corporate Bond Fund Class A) are both Corporate Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, VICBX returned 3.21%/yr vs 2.41%/yr for FCBAX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VICBX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.77%/yr for FCBAX.

Performance

VICBX vs. FCBAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VICBX) and Fidelity Advisor Corporate Bond Fund Class A (FCBAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VICBX achieves a 0.39% return, which is significantly lower than FCBAX's 0.51% return. Over the past 10 years, VICBX has outperformed FCBAX with an annualized return of 3.21%, while FCBAX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.41% annualized return.

VICBX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 0.39%
• 6M: 0.32%
• 1Y: 6.40%
• 3Y*: 6.25%
• 5Y*: 1.42%
• 10Y*: 3.21%

FCBAX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 0.51%
• 6M: 0.31%
• 1Y: 5.96%
• 3Y*: 5.10%
• 5Y*: 0.09%
• 10Y*: 2.41%

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

VICBX vs. FCBAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VICBX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.39%	9.37%	3.67%	8.87%	-14.06%	-1.50%	9.57%	15.96%	-1.72%	5.50%
FCBAX Fidelity Advisor Corporate Bond Fund Class A	0.51%	7.51%	2.21%	8.10%	-17.32%	-1.85%	10.46%	14.11%	-2.90%	6.47%

Correlation

The correlation between VICBX and FCBAX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2010	0.94

The correlation between VICBX and FCBAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VICBX vs. FCBAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VICBX

VICBX Risk / Return Rank: 34
VICBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VICBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VICBX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VICBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VICBX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

FCBAX

FCBAX Risk / Return Rank: 24
FCBAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
FCBAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
FCBAX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
FCBAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
FCBAX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

VICBX vs. FCBAX - 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 Fidelity Advisor Corporate Bond Fund Class A (FCBAX). 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.

	VICBX	FCBAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	1.42	+0.26
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	2.08	+0.39
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.25	+0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	1.84	+0.38
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.44	5.87	+1.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VICBX vs. FCBAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VICBX Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is comparable to the FCBAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VICBX and FCBAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VICBX	FCBAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.68	1.42	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23	0.01	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	0.41	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.88	0.64	+0.23

Drawdowns

VICBX vs. FCBAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VICBX drawdown since its inception was -20.55%, smaller than the maximum FCBAX drawdown of -23.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VICBX and FCBAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VICBX	FCBAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.55%	-23.56%	+3.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.95%	-3.31%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.98%	-6.65%	+0.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.55%	-23.44%	+2.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.55%	-23.56%	+3.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.14%	-3.11%	+1.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.14%	-4.34%	+1.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	1.03%	-0.15%

Volatility

VICBX vs. FCBAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VICBX) and Fidelity Advisor Corporate Bond Fund Class A (FCBAX) have volatilities of 1.39% and 1.45%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VICBX	FCBAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.39%	1.45%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.89%	3.14%	-0.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.91%	4.30%	-0.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.16%	6.69%	-0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.34%	5.94%	-0.60%

VICBX vs. FCBAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VICBX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than FCBAX's 0.77% expense ratio.

Dividends

VICBX vs. FCBAX - Dividend Comparison

VICBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.79%, more than FCBAX's 3.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCBAX Fidelity Advisor Corporate Bond Fund Class A	3.91%	3.79%	3.35%	3.13%	2.27%	2.55%	3.09%	2.96%	3.29%	2.83%	3.19%	2.69%
VICBX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.79%	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

Can I hold both VICBX and FCBAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VICBX and FCBAX 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.

Which is riskier, VICBX or FCBAX?

FCBAX has higher volatility (1.45%) compared to VICBX (1.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VICBX dropped -20.55% vs FCBAX's -23.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VICBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 1.42), 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.