VIITX vs. MSTDX
VIITX (Vanguard Institutional Intermediate-Term Bond Fund) and MSTDX (MassMutual Short Duration Bond Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, VIITX returned 2.08%/yr vs 2.02%/yr for MSTDX. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VIITX charges 0.02%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for MSTDX.
Performance
VIITX vs. MSTDX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VIITX achieves a 0.47% return, which is significantly lower than MSTDX's 0.63% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VIITX having a 2.08% annualized return and MSTDX not far behind at 2.02%.
VIITX
- 1D
- -0.14%
- 1M
- 0.39%
- YTD
- 0.47%
- 6M
- 0.66%
- 1Y
- 4.23%
- 3Y*
- 4.90%
- 5Y*
- 1.48%
- 10Y*
- 2.08%
MSTDX
- 1D
- -0.11%
- 1M
- 0.22%
- YTD
- 0.63%
- 6M
- 1.24%
- 1Y
- 3.95%
- 3Y*
- 5.62%
- 5Y*
- 1.27%
- 10Y*
- 2.02%
VIITX vs. MSTDX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VIITX Vanguard Institutional Intermediate-Term Bond Fund | 0.47% | 7.23% | 3.67% | 5.31% | -7.99% | -1.02% | 6.17% | 6.44% | 0.87% | 2.00% |
MSTDX MassMutual Short Duration Bond Fund | 0.63% | 6.18% | 6.38% | 5.88% | -11.19% | 1.79% | 2.29% | 4.49% | 1.68% | 2.61% |
Correlation
The correlation between VIITX and MSTDX is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.66 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.70 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.58 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.51 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2015 | 0.52 |
The correlation between VIITX and MSTDX shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (10 years) to 0.70 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VIITX vs. MSTDX — Risk / Return Rank
VIITX
MSTDX
VIITX vs. MSTDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Institutional Intermediate-Term Bond Fund (VIITX) and MassMutual Short Duration Bond Fund (MSTDX). 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.
| VIITX | MSTDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.44 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.48 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.33 | 1.58 | -0.24 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.35 | 3.84 | -1.49 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.22 | 15.91 | -8.70 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VIITX vs. MSTDX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VIITX drawdown since its inception was -11.86%, smaller than the maximum MSTDX drawdown of -13.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIITX and MSTDX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VIITX | MSTDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -11.86% | -13.31% | +1.45% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -1.89% | -1.06% | -0.83% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -3.32% | -1.06% | -2.26% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -11.86% | -13.31% | +1.45% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -11.86% | -13.31% | +1.45% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.96% | -0.32% | -0.64% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.12% | -1.42% | -0.70% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.61% | 0.26% | +0.35% |
Volatility
VIITX vs. MSTDX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Institutional Intermediate-Term Bond Fund (VIITX) has a higher volatility of 0.82% compared to MassMutual Short Duration Bond Fund (MSTDX) at 0.64%. This indicates that VIITX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MSTDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VIITX | MSTDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.82% | 0.64% | +0.18% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 1.93% | 1.40% | +0.53% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.49% | 1.84% | +0.65% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 3.86% | 2.34% | +1.52% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 3.07% | 2.06% | +1.01% |
VIITX vs. MSTDX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VIITX has a 0.02% expense ratio, which is lower than MSTDX's 0.51% expense ratio.
Dividends
VIITX vs. MSTDX - Dividend Comparison
VIITX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.57%, more than MSTDX's 4.45% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSTDX MassMutual Short Duration Bond Fund | 4.45% | 4.36% | 2.63% | 2.48% | 1.46% | 1.90% | 4.44% | 3.35% | 3.82% | 2.51% | 2.36% | 2.57% |
VIITX Vanguard Institutional Intermediate-Term Bond Fund | 4.57% | 4.51% | 4.71% | 3.61% | 2.14% | 2.20% | 2.87% | 2.69% | 2.62% | 2.04% | 2.95% | 0.57% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VIITX and MSTDX have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VIITX has higher volatility (0.82%) compared to MSTDX (0.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIITX dropped -11.86% vs MSTDX's -13.31%.
MSTDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.79), 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.
Find the right allocation for VIITX and MSTDX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer