VSTBX vs. SMARX
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSTBX) and Brandes Separately Managed Account Reserve Trust (SMARX).
VSTBX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Nov 19, 2009. SMARX is managed by BlackRock. It was launched on Oct 3, 2005.
Performance
VSTBX vs. SMARX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
VSTBX vs. SMARX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSTBX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares | -0.08% | 6.75% | 5.37% | 6.17% | -5.73% | -0.41% | 5.07% | 9.68% | 0.92% | 2.48% |
SMARX Brandes Separately Managed Account Reserve Trust | -0.30% | 6.91% | 3.73% | 9.76% | -11.77% | 0.76% | 6.55% | 7.77% | -1.13% | 4.75% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VSTBX achieves a -0.08% return, which is significantly higher than SMARX's -0.30% return. Over the past 10 years, VSTBX has underperformed SMARX with an annualized return of 3.01%, while SMARX has yielded a comparatively higher 3.34% annualized return.
VSTBX
- 1D
- 0.19%
- 1M
- -1.05%
- YTD
- -0.08%
- 6M
- 1.15%
- 1Y
- 4.66%
- 3Y*
- 5.46%
- 5Y*
- 2.42%
- 10Y*
- 3.01%
SMARX
- 1D
- 0.64%
- 1M
- -1.99%
- YTD
- -0.30%
- 6M
- 0.49%
- 1Y
- 3.99%
- 3Y*
- 5.18%
- 5Y*
- 1.98%
- 10Y*
- 3.34%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VSTBX vs. SMARX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VSTBX has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than SMARX's 0.00% 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%.
Return for Risk
VSTBX vs. SMARX — Risk / Return Rank
VSTBX
SMARX
VSTBX vs. SMARX - 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 Brandes Separately Managed Account Reserve Trust (SMARX). 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 | SMARX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 2.41 | 1.14 | +1.27 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 3.58 | 1.63 | +1.94 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.49 | 1.20 | +0.29 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.75 | 1.89 | +1.86 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 14.83 | 6.07 | +8.76 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VSTBX | SMARX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.41 | 1.14 | +1.27 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.90 | 0.39 | +0.51 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 1.27 | 0.77 | +0.51 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 1.46 | 0.41 | +1.05 |
Correlation
The correlation between VSTBX and SMARX is 0.65, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
VSTBX vs. SMARX - Dividend Comparison
VSTBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.04%, less than SMARX's 4.71% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSTBX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares | 4.04% | 4.34% | 4.29% | 3.09% | 2.00% | 1.80% | 2.27% | 5.40% | 2.67% | 2.27% | 1.96% | 2.25% |
SMARX Brandes Separately Managed Account Reserve Trust | 4.71% | 5.02% | 4.07% | 3.85% | 3.53% | 2.57% | 3.35% | 4.19% | 4.55% | 4.20% | 4.87% | 5.24% |
Drawdowns
VSTBX vs. SMARX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VSTBX drawdown since its inception was -9.34%, smaller than the maximum SMARX drawdown of -47.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTBX and SMARX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VSTBX | SMARX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -9.34% | -47.07% | +37.73% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -1.31% | -2.63% | +1.32% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -9.34% | -16.20% | +6.86% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -9.34% | -16.20% | +6.86% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.05% | -1.99% | +0.94% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.96% | -7.02% | +6.06% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.33% | 0.82% | -0.49% |
Volatility
VSTBX vs. SMARX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSTBX) is 0.76%, while Brandes Separately Managed Account Reserve Trust (SMARX) has a volatility of 1.66%. This indicates that VSTBX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMARX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VSTBX | SMARX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.76% | 1.66% | -0.90% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 1.16% | 2.56% | -1.40% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.98% | 4.03% | -2.05% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 2.70% | 5.12% | -2.42% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 2.37% | 4.37% | -2.00% |