VSCSX vs. VSTBX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VSCSX (Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VSTBX (Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Corporate Bonds funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VSCSX returned 2.73%/yr vs 3.01%/yr for VSTBX. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VSCSX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VSTBX.

Performance

VSCSX vs. VSTBX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VSCSX having a 0.71% return and VSTBX slightly higher at 0.73%. Over the past 10 years, VSCSX has underperformed VSTBX with an annualized return of 2.73%, while VSTBX has yielded a comparatively higher 3.01% annualized return.

VSCSX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 0.71%
• 6M: 1.08%
• 1Y: 4.68%
• 3Y*: 5.66%
• 5Y*: 2.39%
• 10Y*: 2.73%

VSTBX

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 0.73%
• 6M: 1.11%
• 1Y: 4.66%
• 3Y*: 5.68%
• 5Y*: 2.40%
• 10Y*: 3.01%

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

VSCSX vs. VSTBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSCSX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.71%	6.75%	5.36%	6.11%	-5.72%	-0.43%	5.06%	6.85%	0.88%	2.46%
VSTBX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.73%	6.75%	5.37%	6.17%	-5.73%	-0.41%	5.07%	9.68%	0.92%	2.48%

Correlation

The correlation between VSCSX and VSTBX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2009	0.96

The correlation between VSCSX and VSTBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSCSX vs. VSTBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSCSX

VSCSX Risk / Return Rank: 79
VSCSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VSCSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VSCSX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
VSCSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
VSCSX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VSTBX

VSTBX Risk / Return Rank: 81
VSTBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VSTBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
VSTBX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
VSTBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
VSTBX 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.

VSCSX vs. VSTBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSCSX) and Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSTBX). 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.

	VSCSX	VSTBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.63	2.64	-0.02
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.03	4.13	-0.10
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.53	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.46	3.61	-0.14
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.88	14.45	-0.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSCSX vs. VSTBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSCSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.63, which is comparable to the VSTBX Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSCSX and VSTBX, 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

	VSCSX	VSTBX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.63	2.64	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88	0.89	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.16	1.27	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.36	1.47	-0.10

Drawdowns

VSCSX vs. VSTBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSCSX drawdown since its inception was -9.36%, roughly equal to the maximum VSTBX drawdown of -9.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSCSX and VSTBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSCSX	VSTBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.36%	-9.34%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.36%	-1.31%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.36%	-1.31%	-0.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.36%	-9.34%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-9.36%	-9.34%	-0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	-0.24%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.98%	-0.96%	-0.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.34%	0.33%	+0.01%

Volatility

VSCSX vs. VSTBX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSCSX) and Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSTBX) have volatilities of 0.57% and 0.57%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSCSX	VSTBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.57%	0.57%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.27%	1.27%	0.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75%	1.76%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.71%	2.71%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.37%	2.38%	-0.01%

VSCSX vs. VSTBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSCSX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTBX's 0.05% 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

VSCSX vs. VSTBX - Dividend Comparison

VSCSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.42%, which matches VSTBX's 4.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VSCSX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.42%	4.32%	4.27%	3.07%	1.98%	1.78%	2.25%	2.85%	2.66%	2.26%	1.93%	2.21%
VSTBX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.44%	4.34%	4.29%	3.09%	2.00%	1.80%	2.27%	5.40%	2.67%	2.27%	1.96%	2.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSCSX and VSTBX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, VSCSX and VSTBX 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, VSCSX or VSTBX?

VSTBX has higher volatility (0.57%) compared to VSCSX (0.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSCSX dropped -9.36% vs VSTBX's -9.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 2.63), 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.