VSDM vs. AUSM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSDM (Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) and AUSM (Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF) are both Municipal Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSDM charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AUSM.

Performance

VSDM vs. AUSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VSDM) and Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSDM achieves a 1.22% return, which is significantly higher than AUSM's 0.98% return.

VSDM

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 1.22%
• 6M: 1.63%
• 1Y: 4.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AUSM

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 0.98%
• 6M: 1.34%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VSDM vs. AUSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSDM Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	1.22%	2.65%
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	0.98%	1.63%

Correlation

The correlation between VSDM and AUSM is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.16

Return for Risk

VSDM vs. AUSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSDM

VSDM Risk / Return Rank: 84
VSDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
VSDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
VSDM Omega Ratio Rank: 97
VSDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VSDM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

VSDM vs. AUSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VSDM) and Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM). 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.

	VSDM	AUSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.67	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.35	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.92	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.42	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.07	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VSDM	AUSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.67	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.19	3.98	-1.79

Drawdowns

VSDM vs. AUSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSDM drawdown since its inception was -1.81%, which is greater than AUSM's maximum drawdown of -0.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSDM and AUSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSDM	AUSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.81%	-0.42%	-1.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.33%	-0.02%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.32%	-0.09%	-0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.41%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VSDM	AUSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.44%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.07%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.36%	0.73%	+0.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.95%	0.73%	+1.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.95%	0.73%	+1.22%

VSDM vs. AUSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSDM has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than AUSM's 0.18% 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

VSDM vs. AUSM - Dividend Comparison

VSDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.11%, more than AUSM's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AUSM Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF	2.39%	1.26%	0.00%
VSDM Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	3.11%	3.06%	0.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSDM and AUSM in my portfolio?

VSDM and AUSM have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VSDM or AUSM?

On fees, VSDM is cheaper at 0.12% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSDM or AUSM?

VSDM is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for AUSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSDM or AUSM?

VSDM has the higher dividend yield at 3.11%, compared with 2.39% for AUSM.

What is the main difference between VSDM and AUSM?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Allspring. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for VSDM and 0.18% for AUSM.