VICBX vs. LMLCX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VICBX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares) and LMLCX (Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund) are both Corporate Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, VICBX returned 3.21%/yr vs 4.63%/yr for LMLCX. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VICBX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for LMLCX.

Performance

VICBX vs. LMLCX - 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 Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund (LMLCX). 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 LMLCX's 1.60% return. Over the past 10 years, VICBX has underperformed LMLCX with an annualized return of 3.21%, while LMLCX has yielded a comparatively higher 4.63% annualized return.

VICBX

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 0.39%
• 6M: 0.50%
• 1Y: 6.51%
• 3Y*: 6.25%
• 5Y*: 1.36%
• 10Y*: 3.21%

LMLCX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 1.07%
• YTD: 1.60%
• 6M: 1.66%
• 1Y: 11.30%
• 3Y*: 6.42%
• 5Y*: 4.50%
• 10Y*: 4.63%

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

VICBX vs. LMLCX - 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%
LMLCX Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund	1.60%	12.22%	-2.21%	12.93%	-3.51%	3.08%	2.93%	15.10%	-4.24%	7.20%

Correlation

The correlation between VICBX and LMLCX is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 24, 2012	0.49

Over the past year, VICBX and LMLCX have become more correlated (0.94) than their long-term average of 0.49, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

VICBX vs. LMLCX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VICBX

VICBX Risk / Return Rank: 32
VICBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
VICBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VICBX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VICBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
VICBX Martin Ratio Rank: 32

LMLCX

LMLCX Risk / Return Rank: 36
LMLCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
LMLCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
LMLCX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
LMLCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
LMLCX Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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. LMLCX - 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 Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund (LMLCX). 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	LMLCX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.57	+0.04
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	2.35	+0.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.29	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.22	2.62	-0.39
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.49	8.97	-1.48
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. LMLCX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VICBX Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the LMLCX Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VICBX and LMLCX, 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	LMLCX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.61	1.57	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22	0.58	-0.36
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60	0.65	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.88	0.78	+0.10

Drawdowns

VICBX vs. LMLCX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VICBX drawdown since its inception was -20.55%, smaller than the maximum LMLCX drawdown of -23.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VICBX and LMLCX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VICBX	LMLCX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.55%	-23.45%	+2.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.95%	-4.22%	+1.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.98%	-11.77%	+5.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.55%	-11.77%	-8.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.55%	-23.45%	+2.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.14%	-0.02%	-1.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.14%	-1.94%	-1.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.87%	1.23%	-0.36%

Volatility

VICBX vs. LMLCX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VICBX) is 1.39%, while Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund (LMLCX) has a volatility of 2.07%. This indicates that VICBX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LMLCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VICBX	LMLCX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.39%	2.07%	-0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.89%	4.47%	-1.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.92%	6.92%	-3.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.16%	7.79%	-1.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.34%	7.19%	-1.85%

VICBX vs. LMLCX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VICBX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than LMLCX's 0.00% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VICBX vs. LMLCX - Dividend Comparison

VICBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.79%, less than LMLCX's 6.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LMLCX Western Asset SMASh Series C Fund	6.19%	6.11%	6.58%	5.78%	4.46%	5.42%	3.54%	4.16%	5.59%	4.04%	3.75%	5.64%
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 LMLCX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, VICBX and LMLCX 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 LMLCX?

LMLCX has higher volatility (2.07%) compared to VICBX (1.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VICBX dropped -20.55% vs LMLCX's -23.45%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VICBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 vs 1.57), 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.