VLTCX vs. VBLAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VLTCX (Vanguard Long-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VBLAX (Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VLTCX is a Corporate Bonds fund managed by Vanguard, while VBLAX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, VLTCX returned -1.46%/yr vs -3.13%/yr for VBLAX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.07% expense ratio.

Performance

VLTCX vs. VBLAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLTCX) and Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBLAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLTCX achieves a 1.22% return, which is significantly higher than VBLAX's 0.45% return.

VLTCX

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 1.99%
• YTD: 1.22%
• 6M: 0.35%
• 1Y: 8.16%
• 3Y*: 4.67%
• 5Y*: -1.46%
• 10Y*: 2.42%

VBLAX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.48%
• YTD: 0.45%
• 6M: -0.47%
• 1Y: 7.06%
• 3Y*: 2.09%
• 5Y*: -3.13%
• 10Y*: —

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

VLTCX vs. VBLAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VLTCX Vanguard Long-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.22%	7.27%	-1.47%	11.05%	-25.77%	-1.16%	13.68%	18.85%
VBLAX Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.45%	6.57%	-4.14%	7.55%	-27.22%	-3.36%	15.75%	16.45%

Correlation

The correlation between VLTCX and VBLAX is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2019	0.97

The correlation between VLTCX and VBLAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VLTCX vs. VBLAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLTCX

VLTCX Risk / Return Rank: 16
VLTCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
VLTCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
VLTCX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
VLTCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
VLTCX Martin Ratio Rank: 14

VBLAX

VBLAX Risk / Return Rank: 11
VBLAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
VBLAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
VBLAX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
VBLAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
VBLAX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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.

VLTCX vs. VBLAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLTCX) and Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBLAX). 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.

	VLTCX	VBLAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	0.86	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	1.28	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.15	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.60	1.18	+0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.93	3.04	+0.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VLTCX vs. VBLAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLTCX Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is comparable to the VBLAX Sharpe Ratio of 0.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLTCX and VBLAX, 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

	VLTCX	VBLAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.11	0.86	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.12	-0.24	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.23	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.05	+0.40

Drawdowns

VLTCX vs. VBLAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLTCX drawdown since its inception was -34.56%, smaller than the maximum VBLAX drawdown of -38.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLTCX and VBLAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLTCX	VBLAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.56%	-38.62%	+4.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.29%	-5.98%	+0.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.87%	-14.92%	+2.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.56%	-36.32%	+1.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.80%	-24.51%	+10.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.04%	-18.11%	+10.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.15%	2.33%	-0.18%

Volatility

VLTCX vs. VBLAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Long-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLTCX) and Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBLAX) have volatilities of 2.46% and 2.56%, 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

	VLTCX	VBLAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.46%	2.56%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.52%	5.72%	-0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.68%	8.25%	-0.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.87%	12.89%	-1.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.60%	12.64%	-2.04%

VLTCX vs. VBLAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VLTCX and VBLAX have an expense ratio of 0.07%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VLTCX vs. VBLAX - Dividend Comparison

VLTCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.50%, more than VBLAX's 4.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBLAX Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.74%	4.64%	4.61%	4.08%	4.13%	2.62%	5.39%	3.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VLTCX Vanguard Long-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	5.50%	5.48%	5.58%	4.65%	4.41%	3.03%	3.15%	3.82%	4.56%	4.01%	4.37%	4.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLTCX and VBLAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VLTCX and VBLAX 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, VLTCX or VBLAX?

VBLAX has higher volatility (2.56%) compared to VLTCX (2.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLTCX dropped -34.56% vs VBLAX's -38.62%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLTCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.11 vs 0.86), 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.