VSDB vs. HYEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VSDB (Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares) and HYEM (VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSDB is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while HYEM is a High Yield Bonds fund tracking the BofA Merrill Lynch Diversified High Yield US Emerging Markets Corporate Plus Index. VSDB is actively managed, while HYEM is passively managed. Over the past year, VSDB returned 4.63% vs 9.50% for HYEM. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSDB charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for HYEM.

Performance

VSDB vs. HYEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) and VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (HYEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSDB achieves a 0.98% return, which is significantly lower than HYEM's 4.28% return.

VSDB

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.33%
• YTD: 0.98%
• 6M: 1.21%
• 1Y: 4.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HYEM

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 4.28%
• 6M: 4.29%
• 1Y: 9.50%
• 3Y*: 10.35%
• 5Y*: 2.95%
• 10Y*: 4.64%

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

VSDB vs. HYEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	0.98%	4.88%
HYEM VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	4.28%	6.70%

Correlation

The correlation between VSDB and HYEM is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	0.38

Return for Risk

VSDB vs. HYEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSDB

VSDB Risk / Return Rank: 83
VSDB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
VSDB Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
VSDB Omega Ratio Rank: 90
VSDB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VSDB Martin Ratio Rank: 78

HYEM

HYEM Risk / Return Rank: 74
HYEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
HYEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
HYEM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
HYEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
HYEM 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.

VSDB vs. HYEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) and VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (HYEM). 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.

	VSDB	HYEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.67	2.17	+0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.15	3.15	+0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.42	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.26	3.50	-0.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.27	14.23	+0.04

VSDB vs. HYEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSDB Sharpe Ratio is 2.67, which is comparable to the HYEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSDB and HYEM, 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

VSDB vs. HYEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSDB drawdown since its inception was -1.42%, smaller than the maximum HYEM drawdown of -30.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSDB and HYEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSDB	HYEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.42%	-30.96%	+29.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.42%	-2.73%	+1.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-5.23%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.29%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-30.96%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-0.20%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.19%	-4.38%	+4.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.32%	0.67%	-0.35%

Volatility

VSDB vs. HYEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) is 0.52%, while VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (HYEM) has a volatility of 1.14%. This indicates that VSDB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HYEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSDB	HYEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.52%	1.14%	-0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.39%	3.25%	-1.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.74%	4.40%	-2.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.90%	7.51%	-5.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.90%	9.27%	-7.37%

VSDB vs. HYEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSDB has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than HYEM's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSDB vs. HYEM - Dividend Comparison

VSDB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.16%, less than HYEM's 6.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HYEM VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF	6.50%	6.67%	6.34%	6.27%	6.47%	5.33%	5.56%	6.14%	5.71%	5.86%	6.25%	7.64%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	4.16%	3.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSDB and HYEM in my portfolio?

VSDB and HYEM have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSDB or HYEM?

HYEM has higher volatility (1.14%) compared to VSDB (0.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSDB dropped -1.42% vs HYEM's -30.96%.

Which ETF is better, VSDB or HYEM?

On 1-year performance, HYEM leads with 9.50% vs 4.63% for VSDB. On fees, VSDB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, VSDB has been the lower-risk option at 0.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSDB or HYEM?

Over the 1-year period, HYEM has performed better with a 9.50% return vs 4.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSDB or HYEM?

VSDB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for HYEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSDB or HYEM?

HYEM has the higher dividend yield at 6.50%, compared with 4.16% for VSDB.

What is the main difference between VSDB and HYEM?

VSDB is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while HYEM is High Yield Bonds. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for VSDB and 0.40% for HYEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSDB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 2.17), 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.