VSTBX vs. VICBX
VSTBX (Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VICBX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both Corporate Bonds funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VSTBX returned 2.93%/yr vs 2.89%/yr for VICBX. Their correlation of 0.90 means they have usually moved in the same direction. Both charge a 0.05% expense ratio.
Performance
VSTBX vs. VICBX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VSTBX achieves a 0.91% return, which is significantly higher than VICBX's -0.45% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VSTBX having a 2.93% annualized return and VICBX not far behind at 2.89%.
VSTBX
- 1D
- 0.08%
- 1M
- -0.08%
- 6M
- 0.53%
- YTD
- 0.91%
- 1Y
- 3.17%
- 3Y*
- 5.54%
- 5Y*
- 2.39%
- 10Y*
- 2.93%
- ALL TIME*
- 3.12%
VICBX
- 1D
- 0.15%
- 1M
- -1.02%
- 6M
- -0.67%
- YTD
- -0.45%
- 1Y
- 2.43%
- 3Y*
- 5.78%
- 5Y*
- 0.75%
- 10Y*
- 2.89%
- ALL TIME*
- 4.39%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
VSTBX vs. VICBX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSTBX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares | 0.91% | 6.75% | 5.37% | 6.17% | -5.73% | -0.41% | 5.07% | 9.68% | 0.92% | 2.48% |
VICBX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares | -0.45% | 9.37% | 3.67% | 8.87% | -14.06% | -1.50% | 9.57% | 15.96% | -1.72% | 5.50% |
Correlation
The correlation between VSTBX and VICBX is 0.92, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.92 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.93 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.93 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.91 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 23, 2009 | 0.90 |
The correlation between VSTBX and VICBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
VSTBX vs. VICBX — Risk / Return Rank
VSTBX
VICBX
VSTBX vs. VICBX - 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 Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VICBX). 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.
| VSTBX | VICBX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.26 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.94 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.41 | 1.15 | +0.26 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.84 | 1.11 | +1.72 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 10.89 | 3.13 | +7.75 |
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Drawdowns
VSTBX vs. VICBX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VSTBX drawdown since its inception was -9.34%, smaller than the maximum VICBX drawdown of -20.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTBX and VICBX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VSTBX | VICBX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -9.34% | -20.55% | +11.21% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -1.31% | -2.95% | +1.64% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -1.31% | -5.21% | +3.90% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -9.34% | -20.52% | +11.18% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -9.34% | -20.55% | +11.21% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.19% | -1.97% | +1.78% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.95% | -3.12% | +2.17% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.34% | 1.04% | -0.70% |
Volatility
VSTBX vs. VICBX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VSTBX) is 0.48%, while Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares (VICBX) has a volatility of 1.03%. This indicates that VSTBX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VICBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| VSTBX | VICBX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.48% | 1.03% | -0.55% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 1.41% | 3.09% | -1.68% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.78% | 3.89% | -2.11% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 2.73% | 6.17% | -3.44% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 2.38% | 5.34% | -2.96% |
VSTBX vs. VICBX - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both VSTBX and VICBX have an expense ratio of 0.05%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
VSTBX vs. VICBX - Dividend Comparison
VSTBX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.07%, less than VICBX's 4.44% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VICBX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares | 4.44% | 4.61% | 4.79% | 3.72% | 3.02% | 2.82% | 2.79% | 5.01% | 3.64% | 3.23% | 3.32% | 3.39% |
VSTBX Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund Institutional Shares | 4.07% | 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
With a correlation of 0.92, VSTBX and VICBX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
VICBX has higher volatility (1.03%) compared to VSTBX (0.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSTBX dropped -9.34% vs VICBX's -20.55%.
VSTBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 0.84), 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.
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