VPLS vs. WTBN

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) and WTBN (WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while WTBN is a Intermediate Core Bond fund tracking the Bianco Research Fixed Income Total Return Index. VPLS is actively managed, while WTBN is passively managed. Over the past year, VPLS returned 2.61% vs 0.66% for WTBN. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VPLS charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for WTBN.

Performance

VPLS vs. WTBN - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPLS achieves a -0.07% return, which is significantly higher than WTBN's -1.50% return.

VPLS

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -1.09%
• 6M: -0.51%
• YTD: -0.07%
• 1Y: 2.61%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 5.02%

WTBN

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -1.50%
• 6M: -1.62%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 1Y: 0.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 2.99%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	$18.40M	$16.50M	$14.10M
WTBN WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund	$235.93K	$524.94K	$580.49K

VPLS vs. WTBN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	-0.07%	7.86%	2.72%	0.85%
WTBN WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund	-1.50%	6.90%	2.26%	0.31%

Correlation

The correlation between VPLS and WTBN is 0.93, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 20, 2023	0.91

The correlation between VPLS and WTBN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VPLS vs. WTBN — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 37
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 36

WTBN

WTBN Risk / Return Rank: 19
WTBN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
WTBN Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
WTBN Omega Ratio Rank: 17
WTBN Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
WTBN Martin Ratio Rank: 20

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VPLS vs. WTBN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) and WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund (WTBN). 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	WTBN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.96	0.40	+0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	0.58	+0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.07	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.26	0.49	+0.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.57	1.22	+2.34

VPLS vs. WTBN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPLS Sharpe Ratio is 0.96, which is higher than the WTBN Sharpe Ratio of 0.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPLS and WTBN, 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. WTBN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPLS drawdown since its inception was -4.17%, roughly equal to the maximum WTBN drawdown of -4.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPLS and WTBN.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPLS	WTBN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.17%	-4.08%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.72%	-2.97%	+0.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.91%	-2.97%	+1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.02%	-1.18%	+0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.96%	1.19%	-0.23%

Volatility

VPLS vs. WTBN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) is 0.94%, while WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund (WTBN) has a volatility of 1.11%. This indicates that VPLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WTBN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPLS	WTBN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.94%	1.11%	-0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.85%	2.99%	-0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.58%	3.70%	-0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.55%	4.52%	+0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.55%	4.52%	+0.03%

VPLS vs. WTBN - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPLS has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than WTBN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

VPLS vs. WTBN - Dividend Comparison

VPLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.81%, more than WTBN's 4.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.40%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%
WTBN WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund	4.12%	4.13%	3.47%	0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPLS and WTBN in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VPLS and WTBN 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, VPLS or WTBN?

WTBN has higher volatility (1.11%) compared to VPLS (0.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPLS dropped -4.17% vs WTBN's -4.08%.

Which ETF is better, VPLS or WTBN?

On 1-year performance, VPLS leads with 2.61% vs 0.66% for WTBN. On fees, VPLS is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, VPLS has been the lower-risk option at 0.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VPLS or WTBN?

Over the 1-year period, VPLS has performed better with a 2.61% return vs 0.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VPLS or WTBN?

VPLS is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for WTBN.

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

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.40%, compared with 4.12% for WTBN.

What is the main difference between VPLS and WTBN?

VPLS is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while WTBN is Intermediate Core Bond. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for VPLS and 0.59% for WTBN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.96 vs 0.40), 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.