VTC vs. SCRD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VTC (Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF) and SCRD (Janus Henderson Corporate Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds. VTC is passively managed, while SCRD is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VTC returned 5.22%/yr vs 5.54%/yr for SCRD. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTC charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SCRD.

Performance

VTC vs. SCRD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC) and Janus Henderson Corporate Bond ETF (SCRD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTC achieves a 0.60% return, which is significantly higher than SCRD's 0.24% return.

VTC

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 0.60%
• 6M: 0.33%
• 1Y: 5.99%
• 3Y*: 5.22%
• 5Y*: 0.51%
• 10Y*: —

SCRD

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 0.13%
• 1Y: 6.25%
• 3Y*: 5.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTC vs. SCRD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VTC Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF	0.60%	7.58%	2.15%	8.58%	-15.68%	-1.41%
SCRD Janus Henderson Corporate Bond ETF	0.24%	7.77%	3.21%	8.76%	-15.99%	-1.25%

Correlation

The correlation between VTC and SCRD 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2021	0.95

The correlation between VTC and SCRD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VTC vs. SCRD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTC

VTC Risk / Return Rank: 39
VTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VTC Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VTC Martin Ratio Rank: 41

SCRD

SCRD Risk / Return Rank: 47
SCRD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SCRD Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
SCRD Omega Ratio Rank: 47
SCRD Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
SCRD Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

VTC vs. SCRD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC) and Janus Henderson Corporate Bond ETF (SCRD). 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.

	VTC	SCRD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.62	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	2.41	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.29	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	2.19	-0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.63	7.63	-1.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTC vs. SCRD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTC Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the SCRD Sharpe Ratio of 1.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTC and SCRD, 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

	VTC	SCRD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.38	1.62	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.07	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	0.02	+0.30

Drawdowns

VTC vs. SCRD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTC drawdown since its inception was -22.05%, roughly equal to the maximum SCRD drawdown of -21.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTC and SCRD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTC	SCRD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.05%	-21.17%	-0.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.88%	-2.87%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.46%	-6.84%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.05%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-0.97%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.84%	-8.77%	+2.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.90%	0.82%	+0.08%

Volatility

VTC vs. SCRD - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC) has a higher volatility of 1.43% compared to Janus Henderson Corporate Bond ETF (SCRD) at 1.25%. This indicates that VTC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCRD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTC	SCRD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.43%	1.25%	+0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.22%	2.78%	+0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.37%	3.88%	+0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.08%	6.32%	+0.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.68%	6.32%	+1.36%

VTC vs. SCRD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTC has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than SCRD's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTC vs. SCRD - Dividend Comparison

VTC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.93%, less than SCRD's 5.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCRD Janus Henderson Corporate Bond ETF	5.44%	5.28%	5.36%	3.99%	2.77%	0.83%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTC Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF	4.93%	4.76%	4.50%	3.80%	3.13%	2.36%	2.69%	3.34%	3.53%	0.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTC and SCRD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VTC and SCRD 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, VTC or SCRD?

VTC has higher volatility (1.43%) compared to SCRD (1.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTC dropped -22.05% vs SCRD's -21.17%.

Which ETF is better, VTC or SCRD?

On 3-year performance, SCRD leads with 5.54% vs 5.22% for VTC. On fees, VTC is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, SCRD has been the lower-risk option at 1.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTC or SCRD?

Over the 3-year period, SCRD has performed better with a 5.54% return vs 5.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTC or SCRD?

VTC is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SCRD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTC or SCRD?

SCRD has the higher dividend yield at 5.44%, compared with 4.93% for VTC.

What is the main difference between VTC and SCRD?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Janus Henderson. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VTC and 0.35% for SCRD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCRD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.38), 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.