VSTBX vs. ISHIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSTBX (Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares) and ISHIX (Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund) are both Corporate Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, VSTBX returned 3.01%/yr vs 2.76%/yr for ISHIX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VSTBX charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.86%/yr for ISHIX.

Performance

VSTBX vs. ISHIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSTBX) and Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund (ISHIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSTBX achieves a 0.73% return, which is significantly higher than ISHIX's 0.05% return. Over the past 10 years, VSTBX has outperformed ISHIX with an annualized return of 3.01%, while ISHIX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.76% annualized return.

VSTBX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 0.73%
• 6M: 1.00%
• 1Y: 4.66%
• 3Y*: 5.68%
• 5Y*: 2.43%
• 10Y*: 3.01%

ISHIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 0.05%
• 6M: 0.36%
• 1Y: 5.20%
• 3Y*: 4.58%
• 5Y*: 0.41%
• 10Y*: 2.76%

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

VSTBX vs. ISHIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSTBX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	0.73%	6.75%	5.37%	6.17%	-5.73%	-0.41%	5.07%	9.68%	0.92%	2.48%
ISHIX Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund	0.05%	6.94%	2.06%	7.72%	-14.64%	-0.07%	8.83%	13.86%	-2.94%	6.63%

Correlation

The correlation between VSTBX and ISHIX is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2009	0.74

Over the past year, the correlation between VSTBX and ISHIX has dropped to 0.29 - well below their long-term average of 0.74, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VSTBX vs. ISHIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSTBX

VSTBX Risk / Return Rank: 81
VSTBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VSTBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
VSTBX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
VSTBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VSTBX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

ISHIX

ISHIX Risk / Return Rank: 24
ISHIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
ISHIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
ISHIX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
ISHIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
ISHIX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

VSTBX vs. ISHIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSTBX) and Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund (ISHIX). 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.

	VSTBX	ISHIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.67	1.42	+1.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.17	2.02	+2.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.29	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.57	1.67	+1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.23	5.39	+8.84
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSTBX vs. ISHIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSTBX Sharpe Ratio is 2.67, which is higher than the ISHIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSTBX and ISHIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VSTBX	ISHIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.67	1.42	+1.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90	0.07	+0.83
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.27	0.54	+0.73
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.47	1.23	+0.24

Drawdowns

VSTBX vs. ISHIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSTBX drawdown since its inception was -9.34%, smaller than the maximum ISHIX drawdown of -21.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTBX and ISHIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSTBX	ISHIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.34%	-21.10%	+11.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.31%	-3.12%	+1.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.31%	-5.32%	+4.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.34%	-20.00%	+10.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-9.34%	-20.00%	+10.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.24%	-1.23%	+0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.96%	-2.67%	+1.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.33%	0.97%	-0.64%

Volatility

VSTBX vs. ISHIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSTBX) is 0.57%, while Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund (ISHIX) has a volatility of 1.20%. This indicates that VSTBX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ISHIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSTBX	ISHIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.57%	1.20%	-0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.27%	2.65%	-1.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.76%	3.68%	-1.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.71%	5.77%	-3.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.38%	5.16%	-2.78%

VSTBX vs. ISHIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSTBX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than ISHIX's 0.86% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSTBX vs. ISHIX - Dividend Comparison

VSTBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.44%, more than ISHIX's 3.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISHIX Federated Hermes Corporate Bond Fund	3.42%	3.34%	3.26%	3.45%	3.63%	3.16%	3.15%	3.62%	3.72%	3.92%	4.12%	5.59%
VSTBX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.44%	4.34%	4.29%	3.09%	2.00%	1.80%	2.27%	5.40%	2.67%	2.27%	1.96%	2.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSTBX and ISHIX in my portfolio?

VSTBX and ISHIX have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSTBX or ISHIX?

ISHIX has higher volatility (1.20%) compared to VSTBX (0.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSTBX dropped -9.34% vs ISHIX's -21.10%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSTBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 1.42), 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.