VPLS vs. VCRM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) and VCRM (Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VCRM is a Municipal Bonds fund tracking the S&P Broad AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index. VPLS is actively managed, while VCRM is passively managed. Over the past year, VPLS returned 5.91% vs 8.18% for VCRM. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VPLS charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for VCRM.

Performance

VPLS vs. VCRM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) and Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPLS achieves a 0.64% return, which is significantly lower than VCRM's 1.95% return.

VPLS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 0.64%
• 6M: 0.57%
• 1Y: 5.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VCRM

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.74%
• YTD: 1.95%
• 6M: 2.36%
• 1Y: 8.18%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VPLS vs. VCRM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.64%	7.86%	-0.32%
VCRM Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.95%	4.91%	-0.58%

Correlation

The correlation between VPLS and VCRM is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 22, 2024	0.66

The correlation between VPLS and VCRM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VPLS vs. VCRM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 45
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 43

VCRM

VCRM Risk / Return Rank: 76
VCRM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VCRM Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
VCRM Omega Ratio Rank: 90
VCRM Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VCRM Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

VPLS vs. VCRM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) and Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM). 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.

	VPLS	VCRM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	2.70	-1.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	3.99	-1.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.59	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.18	3.02	-0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.10	11.19	-4.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VPLS vs. VCRM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is lower than the VCRM Sharpe Ratio of 2.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPLS and VCRM, 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

	VPLS	VCRM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.63	2.70	-1.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.24	1.07	+0.17

Drawdowns

VPLS vs. VCRM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPLS drawdown since its inception was -4.17%, roughly equal to the maximum VCRM drawdown of -4.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPLS and VCRM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPLS	VCRM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.17%	-4.12%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.72%	-2.72%	0.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.21%	-0.26%	-0.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.01%	-1.13%	+0.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.83%	0.73%	+0.10%

Volatility

VPLS vs. VCRM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) has a higher volatility of 1.27% compared to Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM) at 0.98%. This indicates that VPLS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VCRM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPLS	VCRM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.27%	0.98%	+0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.69%	2.17%	+0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.65%	3.05%	+0.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.61%	3.89%	+0.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.61%	3.89%	+0.72%

VPLS vs. VCRM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPLS has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VCRM's 0.12% 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

VPLS vs. VCRM - Dividend Comparison

VPLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.76%, more than VCRM's 3.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
VCRM Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	3.64%	3.42%	0.40%	0.00%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.76%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPLS and VCRM in my portfolio?

VPLS and VCRM have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VPLS or VCRM?

VPLS has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to VCRM (0.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPLS dropped -4.17% vs VCRM's -4.12%.

Which ETF is better, VPLS or VCRM?

On 1-year performance, VCRM leads with 8.18% vs 5.91% for VPLS. On fees, VCRM is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, VCRM has been the lower-risk option at 0.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VPLS or VCRM?

Over the 1-year period, VCRM has performed better with a 8.18% return vs 5.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VPLS or VCRM?

VCRM is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for VPLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VPLS or VCRM?

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.76%, compared with 3.64% for VCRM.

What is the main difference between VPLS and VCRM?

VPLS is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while VCRM is Municipal Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for VPLS and 0.12% for VCRM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCRM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 1.63), 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.