VSDB vs. VTV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VSDB (Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares) and VTV (Vanguard Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSDB is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VTV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index. VSDB is actively managed, while VTV is passively managed. Over the past year, VSDB returned 4.75% vs 28.84% for VTV. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSDB charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VTV.

Performance

VSDB vs. VTV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSDB achieves a 0.95% return, which is significantly lower than VTV's 15.12% return.

VSDB

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 0.95%
• 6M: 1.15%
• 1Y: 4.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTV

• 1D: 0.99%
• 1M: 3.67%
• YTD: 15.12%
• 6M: 14.64%
• 1Y: 28.84%
• 3Y*: 18.88%
• 5Y*: 12.52%
• 10Y*: 13.01%

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

VSDB vs. VTV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	0.95%	4.88%
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	15.12%	11.97%

Correlation

The correlation between VSDB and VTV is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	0.32

Return for Risk

VSDB vs. VTV — 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: 88
VSDB Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
VSDB Omega Ratio Rank: 91
VSDB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VSDB Martin Ratio Rank: 78

VTV

VTV Risk / Return Rank: 87
VTV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
VTV Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
VTV Omega Ratio Rank: 86
VTV Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
VTV Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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. VTV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV). 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	VTV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.74	2.79	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.25	3.97	+0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.56	1.50	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.35	4.56	-1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.67	17.20	-2.53

VSDB vs. VTV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSDB Sharpe Ratio is 2.74, which is comparable to the VTV Sharpe Ratio of 2.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSDB and VTV, 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. VTV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSDB drawdown since its inception was -1.42%, smaller than the maximum VTV drawdown of -59.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSDB and VTV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSDB	VTV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.42%	-59.27%	+57.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.42%	-6.35%	+4.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.52%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-17.04%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	0.00%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.19%	-7.85%	+7.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.32%	1.68%	-1.36%

Volatility

VSDB vs. VTV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) is 0.52%, while Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) has a volatility of 3.32%. This indicates that VSDB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSDB	VTV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.52%	3.32%	-2.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.39%	7.82%	-6.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75%	10.39%	-8.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.90%	13.88%	-11.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.90%	16.69%	-14.79%

VSDB vs. VTV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSDB has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VTV's 0.04% 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

VSDB vs. VTV - Dividend Comparison

VSDB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.16%, more than VTV's 1.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	1.82%	2.05%	2.31%	2.46%	2.52%	2.15%	2.56%	2.50%	2.73%	2.29%	2.44%	2.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSDB and VTV in my portfolio?

VSDB and VTV have a correlation of 0.39, 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 VTV?

VTV has higher volatility (3.32%) compared to VSDB (0.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSDB dropped -1.42% vs VTV's -59.27%.

Which ETF is better, VSDB or VTV?

On 1-year performance, VTV leads with 28.84% vs 4.75% for VSDB. On fees, VTV is cheaper at 0.04% 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 VTV?

Over the 1-year period, VTV has performed better with a 28.84% return vs 4.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSDB or VTV?

VTV is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for VSDB.

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

VSDB has the higher dividend yield at 4.16%, compared with 1.82% for VTV.

What is the main difference between VSDB and VTV?

VSDB is categorized as Short-Term Bond, while VTV is Large Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for VSDB and 0.04% for VTV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.79 vs 2.74), 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.