VPLS vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. VPLS is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Over the past year, VPLS returned 5.14% vs 24.22% for VTI. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VPLS charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

VPLS vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPLS achieves a 0.90% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 8.82% return.

VPLS

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 0.90%
• 6M: 1.01%
• 1Y: 5.14%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 8.82%
• 6M: 7.71%
• 1Y: 24.22%
• 3Y*: 20.62%
• 5Y*: 11.90%
• 10Y*: 15.14%

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

VPLS vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.90%	7.86%	2.72%	2.83%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.82%	17.10%	23.81%	5.44%

Correlation

The correlation between VPLS and VTI is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.27

The correlation between VPLS and VTI shifts across timeframes, from 0.27 (all time) to 0.39 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VPLS vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 41
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 39

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 59
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

	VPLS	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.90	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	2.59	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.34	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	2.73	-0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.92	12.14	-6.22

VPLS vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPLS and VTI, 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

VPLS vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPLS drawdown since its inception was -4.17%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPLS and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPLS	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.17%	-55.45%	+51.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.72%	-8.92%	+6.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.30%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.96%	-2.85%	+1.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.01%	-8.01%	+7.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.87%	2.00%	-1.13%

Volatility

VPLS vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) is 0.96%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 4.95%. This indicates that VPLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPLS	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.96%	4.95%	-3.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.75%	10.05%	-7.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.60%	12.83%	-9.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.59%	17.51%	-12.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.59%	18.32%	-13.73%

VPLS vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPLS has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% 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. VTI - Dividend Comparison

VPLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.75%, more than VTI's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.75%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.04%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPLS and VTI in my portfolio?

VPLS and VTI have a correlation of 0.39, 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 VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to VPLS (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPLS dropped -4.17% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, VPLS or VTI?

On 1-year performance, VTI leads with 24.22% vs 5.14% for VPLS. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VPLS has been the lower-risk option at 0.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VPLS or VTI?

Over the 1-year period, VTI has performed better with a 24.22% return vs 5.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VPLS or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for VPLS.

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

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.75%, compared with 1.04% for VTI.

What is the main difference between VPLS and VTI?

VPLS is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for VPLS and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.44), 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.