VTC vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VTC (Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTC is a Corporate Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate Bond Index, while VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. VTC is passively managed, while VPLS is actively managed. Over the past year, VTC returned 5.20% vs 5.30% for VPLS. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VTC charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

VTC vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTC achieves a 0.70% return, which is significantly lower than VPLS's 0.80% return.

VTC

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: 0.70%
• 6M: 0.82%
• 1Y: 5.20%
• 3Y*: 5.18%
• 5Y*: 0.35%
• 10Y*: —

VPLS

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 0.80%
• 6M: 0.89%
• 1Y: 5.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTC vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VTC Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF	0.70%	7.58%	2.15%	2.57%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.80%	7.86%	2.72%	2.83%

Correlation

The correlation between VTC and VPLS is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.95

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

Return for Risk

VTC vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTC

VTC Risk / Return Rank: 35
VTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VTC Omega Ratio Rank: 32
VTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
VTC Martin Ratio Rank: 38

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 42
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). 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.

	VTC	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	1.48	-0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.19	-0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.26	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.81	1.96	-0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.63	6.12	-0.49

VTC vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTC Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is comparable to the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTC and VPLS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VTC vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTC drawdown since its inception was -22.05%, which is greater than VPLS's maximum drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTC and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTC	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.05%	-4.17%	-17.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.88%	-2.72%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.46%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.05%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-1.06%	+0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.81%	-1.01%	-4.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	0.87%	+0.05%

Volatility

VTC vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC) has a higher volatility of 1.20% compared to Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) at 0.96%. This indicates that VTC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTC	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.20%	0.96%	+0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.32%	2.76%	+0.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.34%	3.61%	+0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.08%	4.59%	+2.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.67%	4.59%	+3.08%

VTC vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTC has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VPLS's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTC vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

VTC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.92%, more than VPLS's 4.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.75%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTC Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF	4.92%	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 VPLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VTC and VPLS 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 VPLS?

VTC has higher volatility (1.20%) compared to VPLS (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTC dropped -22.05% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which ETF is better, VTC or VPLS?

On 1-year performance, VPLS leads with 5.30% vs 5.20% for VTC. On fees, VTC is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VPLS has been the lower-risk option at 0.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTC or VPLS?

Over the 1-year period, VPLS has performed better with a 5.30% return vs 5.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTC or VPLS?

VTC is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for VPLS.

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

VTC has the higher dividend yield at 4.92%, compared with 4.75% for VPLS.

What is the main difference between VTC and VPLS?

VTC is categorized as Corporate Bonds, while VPLS is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTC and 0.20% for VPLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.20), 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.