VMMSX vs. VBIRX

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VMMSX (Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund) and VBIRX (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VMMSX is a Emerging Markets Equities fund managed by Vanguard, while VBIRX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VMMSX returned 9.46%/yr vs 1.91%/yr for VBIRX. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. VMMSX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBIRX.

Performance

VMMSX vs. VBIRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VMMSX achieves a 15.11% return, which is significantly higher than VBIRX's 0.44% return. Over the past 10 years, VMMSX has outperformed VBIRX with an annualized return of 9.46%, while VBIRX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.91% annualized return.

VMMSX

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: -1.61%
• 6M: 8.24%
• YTD: 15.11%
• 1Y: 32.69%
• 3Y*: 18.08%
• 5Y*: 6.77%
• 10Y*: 9.46%

VBIRX

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 0.14%
• 6M: 0.63%
• YTD: 0.44%
• 1Y: 3.35%
• 3Y*: 4.51%
• 5Y*: 1.65%
• 10Y*: 1.91%

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

VMMSX vs. VBIRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VMMSX Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund	15.11%	35.68%	5.91%	10.58%	-18.15%	-1.40%	15.79%	21.42%	-12.53%	32.01%
VBIRX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.44%	6.09%	3.75%	4.87%	-5.63%	-1.20%	4.69%	4.86%	1.37%	1.18%

Correlation

The correlation between VMMSX and VBIRX is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.09
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.07
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.03
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2011	-0.07

The correlation between VMMSX and VBIRX shifts across timeframes, from -0.07 (all time) to 0.18 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VMMSX vs. VBIRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMMSX

VMMSX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VMMSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VMMSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VMMSX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VMMSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VMMSX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

VBIRX

VBIRX Risk / Return Rank: 54
VBIRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VBIRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VBIRX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VBIRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VBIRX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

VMMSX vs. VBIRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIRX). 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.

	VMMSX	VBIRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.58	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	2.63	-0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.31	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	2.31	+0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.66	6.82	+1.84

VMMSX vs. VBIRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMMSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the VBIRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMMSX and VBIRX, 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

VMMSX vs. VBIRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMMSX drawdown since its inception was -39.28%, which is greater than VBIRX's maximum drawdown of -8.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMMSX and VBIRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMMSX	VBIRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.28%	-8.69%	-30.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.46%	-1.54%	-11.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.37%	-1.55%	-16.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.41%	-8.64%	-25.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.82%	-8.69%	-30.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.83%	-0.49%	-4.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.34%	-0.98%	-12.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.79%	0.52%	+3.27%

Volatility

VMMSX vs. VBIRX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund (VMMSX) has a higher volatility of 6.85% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIRX) at 0.65%. This indicates that VMMSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBIRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMMSX	VBIRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.85%	0.65%	+6.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.37%	1.68%	+14.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.66%	2.26%	+16.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.17%	2.98%	+15.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.45%	2.40%	+16.05%

VMMSX vs. VBIRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMMSX has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than VBIRX's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMMSX vs. VBIRX - Dividend Comparison

VMMSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.01%, less than VBIRX's 4.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBIRX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.01%	3.83%	3.37%	2.41%	1.46%	1.22%	1.77%	2.24%	2.03%	1.66%	1.50%	1.41%
VMMSX Vanguard Emerging Markets Select Stock Fund	2.01%	2.32%	3.33%	3.05%	3.71%	6.80%	1.04%	2.04%	2.53%	1.54%	1.44%	1.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMMSX and VBIRX in my portfolio?

VMMSX and VBIRX have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMMSX or VBIRX?

VMMSX has higher volatility (6.85%) compared to VBIRX (0.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMMSX dropped -39.28% vs VBIRX's -8.69%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMMSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 1.58), 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.