VICBX vs. VCIT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VICBX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VICBX returned 3.11%/yr vs 2.87%/yr for VCIT. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VICBX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VCIT.

Performance

VICBX vs. VCIT - 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 Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VICBX achieves a 0.17% return, which is significantly lower than VCIT's 0.31% return. Over the past 10 years, VICBX has outperformed VCIT with an annualized return of 3.11%, while VCIT has yielded a comparatively lower 2.87% annualized return.

VICBX

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 0.17%
• 6M: 0.35%
• 1Y: 5.08%
• 3Y*: 6.20%
• 5Y*: 1.20%
• 10Y*: 3.11%

VCIT

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.60%
• YTD: 0.31%
• 6M: 0.47%
• 1Y: 5.17%
• 3Y*: 6.09%
• 5Y*: 1.14%
• 10Y*: 2.87%

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

VICBX vs. VCIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VICBX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.17%	9.37%	3.67%	8.87%	-14.06%	-1.50%	9.57%	15.96%	-1.72%	5.50%
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	0.31%	9.34%	3.20%	8.98%	-13.98%	-1.77%	9.46%	14.10%	-1.74%	5.31%

Correlation

The correlation between VICBX and VCIT is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 23, 2009	0.89

The correlation between VICBX and VCIT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VICBX vs. VCIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

VICBX

VICBX Risk / Return Rank: 27
VICBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VICBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VICBX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
VICBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
VICBX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VCIT

VCIT Risk / Return Rank: 37
VCIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VCIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VCIT Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VCIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
VCIT Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. VCIT - 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 Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT). 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	VCIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	1.27	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	1.88	+0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.23	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	1.76	+0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.82	5.56	+0.26

VICBX vs. VCIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VICBX Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is comparable to the VCIT Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VICBX and VCIT, 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

VICBX vs. VCIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VICBX drawdown since its inception was -20.55%, roughly equal to the maximum VCIT drawdown of -20.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VICBX and VCIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VICBX	VCIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.55%	-20.56%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.95%	-2.96%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.98%	-6.11%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.55%	-20.56%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.55%	-20.56%	+0.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.35%	-1.22%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.13%	-3.15%	+0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	0.93%	0.00%

Volatility

VICBX vs. VCIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VICBX) is 1.17%, while Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) has a volatility of 1.24%. This indicates that VICBX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VCIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VICBX	VCIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.17%	1.24%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.98%	3.17%	-0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.89%	4.10%	-0.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.17%	6.62%	-0.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.35%	6.29%	-0.94%

VICBX vs. VCIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

VICBX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VCIT's 0.03% 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. VCIT - Dividend Comparison

VICBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.80%, which matches VCIT's 4.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	4.80%	4.62%	4.43%	3.72%	3.03%	2.87%	2.78%	3.37%	3.61%	3.21%	3.29%	3.34%
VICBX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.80%	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 VCIT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VICBX and VCIT 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 VCIT?

VCIT has higher volatility (1.24%) compared to VICBX (1.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VICBX dropped -20.55% vs VCIT's -20.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VICBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 1.27), 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.