VIG vs. ICSH

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) and ICSH (iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while ICSH is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by iShares. VIG is passively managed, while ICSH is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIG returned 13.24%/yr vs 2.78%/yr for ICSH. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VIG charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for ICSH.

Performance

VIG vs. ICSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF (ICSH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIG achieves a 7.68% return, which is significantly higher than ICSH's 1.53% return. Over the past 10 years, VIG has outperformed ICSH with an annualized return of 13.24%, while ICSH has yielded a comparatively lower 2.78% annualized return.

VIG

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 3.08%
• YTD: 7.68%
• 6M: 6.99%
• 1Y: 18.23%
• 3Y*: 15.98%
• 5Y*: 10.74%
• 10Y*: 13.24%

ICSH

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 1.53%
• 6M: 1.81%
• 1Y: 4.32%
• 3Y*: 5.16%
• 5Y*: 3.69%
• 10Y*: 2.78%

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

VIG vs. ICSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.68%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%
ICSH iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF	1.53%	4.96%	5.52%	5.58%	0.97%	0.16%	1.61%	3.17%	2.25%	1.63%

Correlation

The correlation between VIG and ICSH is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.12
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2013	0.07

The correlation between VIG and ICSH shifts across timeframes, from 0.07 (10 years) to 0.21 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VIG vs. ICSH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIG	ICSH
Technology	26.2%	-
Financial Services	20.6%	-
Healthcare	16.5%	-
Industrials	11.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	10.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.7%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Basic Materials	3.5%	-
Utilities	3.2%	100.0%
Communication Services	0.5%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

VIG vs. ICSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 60
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 60

ICSH

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

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.

VIG vs. ICSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF (ICSH). 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.

	VIG	ICSH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	10.98	-9.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	27.49	-24.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	6.59	-5.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	43.88	-41.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.34	290.20	-280.86

VIG vs. ICSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is lower than the ICSH Sharpe Ratio of 10.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIG and ICSH, 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

VIG vs. ICSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIG drawdown since its inception was -46.81%, which is greater than ICSH's maximum drawdown of -3.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIG and ICSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIG	ICSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.81%	-3.94%	-42.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.91%	-0.10%	-7.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-0.10%	-14.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.39%	-0.73%	-19.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.72%	-3.94%	-27.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	0.00%	-0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.51%	-0.08%	-5.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	0.01%	+1.95%

Volatility

VIG vs. ICSH - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) has a higher volatility of 2.93% compared to iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF (ICSH) at 0.13%. This indicates that VIG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ICSH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIG	ICSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.93%	0.13%	+2.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.78%	0.29%	+7.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.19%	0.39%	+9.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.25%	0.48%	+13.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.06%	1.06%	+15.00%

VIG vs. ICSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIG has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than ICSH's 0.08% 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

VIG vs. ICSH - Dividend Comparison

VIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, less than ICSH's 4.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICSH iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF	4.34%	4.55%	5.24%	4.78%	1.66%	0.42%	1.21%	2.61%	2.20%	1.36%	0.88%	0.54%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIG and ICSH in my portfolio?

VIG and ICSH have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIG or ICSH?

VIG has higher volatility (2.93%) compared to ICSH (0.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIG dropped -46.81% vs ICSH's -3.94%.

Which ETF is better, VIG or ICSH?

On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.24% vs 2.78% for ICSH. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, ICSH has been the lower-risk option at 0.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIG or ICSH?

Over the 10-year period, VIG has performed better with a 13.24% return vs 2.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIG or ICSH?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for ICSH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VIG or ICSH?

ICSH has the higher dividend yield at 4.34%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.

What is the main difference between VIG and ICSH?

VIG is categorized as Dividend, while ICSH is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VIG and 0.08% for ICSH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ICSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (10.98 vs 1.80), 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.