VSCSX vs. VUSB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VSCSX (Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VUSB (Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF) are both funds - VSCSX is a Corporate Bonds fund managed by Vanguard, while VUSB is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. Over the past 5 years, VSCSX returned 2.43%/yr vs 3.46%/yr for VUSB. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VSCSX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VUSB.

Performance

VSCSX vs. VUSB - 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 Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSCSX achieves a 0.71% return, which is significantly lower than VUSB's 1.48% return.

VSCSX

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 0.33%
• YTD: 0.71%
• 6M: 0.89%
• 1Y: 4.24%
• 3Y*: 5.72%
• 5Y*: 2.43%
• 10Y*: 2.71%

VUSB

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 1.48%
• 6M: 1.60%
• 1Y: 4.34%
• 3Y*: 5.32%
• 5Y*: 3.46%
• 10Y*: —

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

VSCSX vs. VUSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VSCSX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.71%	6.75%	5.36%	6.11%	-5.72%	-0.00%
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.48%	5.20%	5.68%	5.52%	-0.36%	0.08%

Correlation

The correlation between VSCSX and VUSB is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 7, 2021	0.70

The correlation between VSCSX and VUSB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSCSX vs. VUSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSCSX

VSCSX Risk / Return Rank: 78
VSCSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VSCSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VSCSX Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VSCSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VSCSX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

VUSB

VUSB Risk / Return Rank: 98
VUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
VUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. VUSB - 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 Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB). 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.

	VSCSX	VUSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	6.52	-4.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.71	11.15	-7.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	3.13	-1.63
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	11.75	-8.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.53	66.59	-54.06

VSCSX vs. VUSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSCSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is lower than the VUSB Sharpe Ratio of 6.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSCSX and VUSB, 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

VSCSX vs. VUSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSCSX drawdown since its inception was -9.36%, which is greater than VUSB's maximum drawdown of -1.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSCSX and VUSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSCSX	VUSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.36%	-1.79%	-7.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.36%	-0.37%	-0.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.36%	-0.46%	-0.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.36%	-1.79%	-7.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-9.36%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	-0.08%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.97%	-0.27%	-0.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.35%	0.07%	+0.28%

Volatility

VSCSX vs. VUSB - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSCSX) has a higher volatility of 0.67% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB) at 0.25%. This indicates that VSCSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUSB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSCSX	VUSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.67%	0.25%	+0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.35%	0.55%	+0.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.77%	0.67%	+1.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.72%	0.84%	+1.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.37%	0.82%	+1.55%

VSCSX vs. VUSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSCSX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VUSB's 0.10% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. VUSB - Dividend Comparison

VSCSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.42%, which matches VUSB's 4.39% 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%
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	4.39%	4.63%	5.16%	4.45%	1.56%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSCSX and VUSB in my portfolio?

VSCSX and VUSB have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSCSX or VUSB?

VSCSX has higher volatility (0.67%) compared to VUSB (0.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSCSX dropped -9.36% vs VUSB's -1.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.52 vs 2.45), 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.