VTBNX vs. PTTRX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VTBNX (Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund) and PTTRX (PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class) are both Total Bond Market funds. Over the past 10 years, VTBNX returned 1.55%/yr vs 2.31%/yr for PTTRX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTBNX charges 0.02%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for PTTRX.

Performance

VTBNX vs. PTTRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund (VTBNX) and PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class (PTTRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTBNX achieves a 0.33% return, which is significantly lower than PTTRX's 0.64% return. Over the past 10 years, VTBNX has underperformed PTTRX with an annualized return of 1.55%, while PTTRX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.31% annualized return.

VTBNX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 0.33%
• 6M: 0.25%
• 1Y: 5.21%
• 3Y*: 4.01%
• 5Y*: 0.20%
• 10Y*: 1.55%

PTTRX

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.88%
• YTD: 0.64%
• 6M: 0.81%
• 1Y: 7.46%
• 3Y*: 5.45%
• 5Y*: 0.76%
• 10Y*: 2.31%

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

VTBNX vs. PTTRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTBNX Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund	0.33%	7.18%	1.32%	5.68%	-13.12%	-1.82%	7.39%	8.71%	-0.27%	3.62%
PTTRX PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class	0.64%	9.35%	2.62%	6.33%	-14.72%	-0.59%	8.88%	8.36%	-0.24%	5.13%

Correlation

The correlation between VTBNX and PTTRX is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 25, 2016	0.94

The correlation between VTBNX and PTTRX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VTBNX vs. PTTRX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTBNX

VTBNX Risk / Return Rank: 22
VTBNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
VTBNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
VTBNX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
VTBNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VTBNX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

PTTRX

PTTRX Risk / Return Rank: 30
PTTRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
PTTRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
PTTRX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
PTTRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
PTTRX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

VTBNX vs. PTTRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund (VTBNX) and PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class (PTTRX). 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.

	VTBNX	PTTRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	1.59	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	2.34	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.29	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	2.00	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.53	6.20	-0.67
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTBNX vs. PTTRX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTBNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is comparable to the PTTRX Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTBNX and PTTRX, 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

	VTBNX	PTTRX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.34	1.59	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.03	0.12	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32	0.44	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	1.15	-0.77

Drawdowns

VTBNX vs. PTTRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTBNX drawdown since its inception was -18.71%, roughly equal to the maximum PTTRX drawdown of -19.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTBNX and PTTRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTBNX	PTTRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.71%	-19.28%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.83%	-3.69%	+0.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.97%	-6.18%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.05%	-19.28%	+1.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.71%	-19.28%	+0.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.21%	-1.49%	-0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.87%	-2.19%	-2.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.95%	1.19%	-0.24%

Volatility

VTBNX vs. PTTRX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund (VTBNX) is 1.33%, while PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class (PTTRX) has a volatility of 1.81%. This indicates that VTBNX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PTTRX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTBNX	PTTRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.33%	1.81%	-0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.81%	3.54%	-0.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.93%	4.66%	-0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.96%	6.27%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.93%	5.23%	-0.30%

VTBNX vs. PTTRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTBNX has a 0.02% expense ratio, which is lower than PTTRX's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTBNX vs. PTTRX - Dividend Comparison

VTBNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.06%, less than PTTRX's 4.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PTTRX PIMCO Total Return Fund Institutional Class	4.54%	4.47%	4.61%	3.81%	3.63%	2.59%	6.11%	3.96%	3.13%	2.63%	3.02%	6.64%
VTBNX Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund	4.06%	3.95%	3.77%	3.13%	2.54%	1.82%	3.12%	2.79%	2.56%	2.52%	2.55%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTBNX and PTTRX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VTBNX and PTTRX 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.

Which is riskier, VTBNX or PTTRX?

PTTRX has higher volatility (1.81%) compared to VTBNX (1.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTBNX dropped -18.71% vs PTTRX's -19.28%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PTTRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 1.34), 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.