VSDB vs. NUSA

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VSDB (Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares) and NUSA (Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF) are both Short-Term Bond funds. VSDB is actively managed, while NUSA is passively managed. Over the past year, VSDB returned 4.36% vs 2.99% for NUSA. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.15% expense ratio.

Performance

VSDB vs. NUSA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) and Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSDB achieves a 1.02% return, which is significantly higher than NUSA's 0.35% return.

VSDB

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: -0.07%
• 6M: 0.97%
• YTD: 1.02%
• 1Y: 4.36%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUSA

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -0.19%
• 6M: 0.33%
• YTD: 0.35%
• 1Y: 2.99%
• 3Y*: 4.30%
• 5Y*: 1.51%
• 10Y*: —

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

VSDB vs. NUSA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	1.02%	4.88%
NUSA Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	0.35%	3.57%

Correlation

The correlation between VSDB and NUSA is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	0.79

The correlation between VSDB and NUSA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VSDB vs. NUSA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSDB

VSDB Risk / Return Rank: 88
VSDB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
VSDB Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
VSDB Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VSDB Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VSDB Martin Ratio Rank: 84

NUSA

NUSA Risk / Return Rank: 63
NUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
NUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
NUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 68
NUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
NUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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. NUSA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) and Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA). 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	NUSA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	1.65	+0.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.86	2.56	+1.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.32	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	2.34	+0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.47	7.81	+5.66

VSDB vs. NUSA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSDB Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is higher than the NUSA Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSDB and NUSA, 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. NUSA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSDB drawdown since its inception was -1.42%, smaller than the maximum NUSA drawdown of -9.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSDB and NUSA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSDB	NUSA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.42%	-9.44%	+8.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.42%	-1.28%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-1.62%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-9.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-0.59%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.19%	-1.63%	+1.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.32%	0.38%	-0.06%

Volatility

VSDB vs. NUSA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) is 0.52%, while Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA) has a volatility of 0.59%. This indicates that VSDB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NUSA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSDB	NUSA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.52%	0.59%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.41%	1.42%	-0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75%	1.82%	-0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.89%	2.81%	-0.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.89%	2.72%	-0.83%

VSDB vs. NUSA - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VSDB and NUSA have an expense ratio of 0.15%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VSDB vs. NUSA - Dividend Comparison

VSDB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.18%, more than NUSA's 3.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NUSA Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	3.90%	3.83%	3.93%	3.54%	2.44%	2.16%	2.51%	2.85%	3.22%	2.20%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	4.18%	3.30%	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 NUSA in my portfolio?

VSDB and NUSA have a correlation of 0.79, 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 NUSA?

NUSA has higher volatility (0.59%) compared to VSDB (0.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSDB dropped -1.42% vs NUSA's -9.44%.

Which ETF is better, VSDB or NUSA?

On 1-year performance, VSDB leads with 4.36% vs 2.99% for NUSA. Both ETFs have the same 0.15% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSDB or NUSA?

Over the 1-year period, VSDB has performed better with a 4.36% return vs 2.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSDB or NUSA?

VSDB and NUSA have the same expense ratio: 0.15% per year.

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

VSDB has the higher dividend yield at 4.18%, compared with 3.90% for NUSA.

What is the main difference between VSDB and NUSA?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Nuveen.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSDB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.65), 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.