VSBIX vs. VGSH

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

VSBIX (Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VGSH (Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VSBIX returned 1.77%/yr vs 1.71%/yr for VGSH. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSBIX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VGSH.

Performance

VSBIX vs. VGSH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSBIX) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSBIX achieves a 0.69% return, which is significantly higher than VGSH's 0.38% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VSBIX having a 1.77% annualized return and VGSH not far behind at 1.71%.

VSBIX

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 0.69%
• 6M: 0.81%
• 1Y: 3.44%
• 3Y*: 4.42%
• 5Y*: 1.94%
• 10Y*: 1.77%

VGSH

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 0.38%
• 6M: 0.52%
• 1Y: 3.13%
• 3Y*: 4.18%
• 5Y*: 1.83%
• 10Y*: 1.71%

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

VSBIX vs. VGSH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSBIX Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.69%	5.11%	4.37%	4.28%	-3.87%	-0.67%	3.11%	3.53%	1.52%	0.40%
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	0.38%	5.07%	4.00%	4.31%	-3.86%	-0.60%	3.04%	3.52%	1.55%	0.04%

Correlation

The correlation between VSBIX and VGSH is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 23, 2009	0.81

The correlation between VSBIX and VGSH shifts across timeframes, from 0.81 (all time) to 0.95 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VSBIX vs. VGSH — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSBIX

VSBIX Risk / Return Rank: 91
VSBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
VSBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
VSBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
VSBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
VSBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

VGSH

VGSH Risk / Return Rank: 82
VGSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VGSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
VGSH Omega Ratio Rank: 88
VGSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VGSH Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

VSBIX vs. VGSH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSBIX) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH). 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.

	VSBIX	VGSH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.80	2.41	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.65	3.82	+0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.51	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	3.55	+0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.75	13.78	+3.97

VSBIX vs. VGSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSBIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.80, which is comparable to the VGSH Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSBIX and VGSH, 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

VSBIX vs. VGSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSBIX drawdown since its inception was -5.74%, roughly equal to the maximum VGSH drawdown of -5.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSBIX and VGSH.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSBIX	VGSH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.74%	-5.70%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.81%	-0.88%	+0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.81%	-0.97%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-5.74%	-5.66%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-5.74%	-5.70%	-0.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	-0.39%	+0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.59%	-0.60%	+0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.20%	0.23%	-0.03%

Volatility

VSBIX vs. VGSH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSBIX) is 0.41%, while Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) has a volatility of 0.46%. This indicates that VSBIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGSH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSBIX	VGSH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.41%	0.46%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.89%	0.95%	-0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.27%	1.31%	-0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.95%	1.97%	-0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.53%	1.58%	-0.05%

VSBIX vs. VGSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSBIX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VGSH'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

VSBIX vs. VGSH - Dividend Comparison

VSBIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.86%, which matches VGSH's 3.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	3.88%	4.00%	4.18%	3.31%	1.15%	0.66%	1.74%	2.28%	1.79%	1.10%	0.84%	0.69%
VSBIX Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.86%	3.99%	4.52%	3.31%	1.14%	0.65%	1.74%	2.28%	1.81%	1.11%	0.80%	0.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSBIX and VGSH in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VSBIX and VGSH 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, VSBIX or VGSH?

VGSH has higher volatility (0.46%) compared to VSBIX (0.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSBIX dropped -5.74% vs VGSH's -5.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSBIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.80 vs 2.41), 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.