VTES vs. VUSB

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

VTES (Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF) and VUSB (Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTES is a Municipal Bonds fund tracking the S&P 0-7 Year National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index, while VUSB is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. VTES is passively managed, while VUSB is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VTES returned 3.16%/yr vs 5.36%/yr for VUSB. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VTES charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VUSB.

Performance

VTES vs. VUSB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTES) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTES achieves a 0.76% return, which is significantly lower than VUSB's 1.48% return.

VTES

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.75%
• YTD: 0.76%
• 6M: 0.98%
• 1Y: 3.37%
• 3Y*: 3.16%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUSB

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 1.48%
• 6M: 1.66%
• 1Y: 4.45%
• 3Y*: 5.36%
• 5Y*: 3.44%
• 10Y*: —

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

VTES vs. VUSB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	0.76%	4.19%	1.85%	3.32%
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.48%	5.20%	5.68%	5.09%

Correlation

The correlation between VTES and VUSB is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 9, 2023	0.43

Return for Risk

VTES vs. VUSB — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTES

VTES Risk / Return Rank: 73
VTES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
VTES Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
VTES Omega Ratio Rank: 94
VTES Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
VTES Martin Ratio Rank: 43

VUSB

VUSB Risk / Return Rank: 99
VUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
VUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

VTES vs. VUSB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTES) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB). 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.

	VTES	VUSB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.72	6.63	-3.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.93	11.44	-7.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	3.19	-1.55
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.30	12.06	-9.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.63	68.57	-61.94

VTES vs. VUSB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTES Sharpe Ratio is 2.72, which is lower than the VUSB Sharpe Ratio of 6.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTES and VUSB, 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

VTES vs. VUSB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTES drawdown since its inception was -2.42%, which is greater than VUSB's maximum drawdown of -1.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTES and VUSB.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTES	VUSB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.42%	-1.79%	-0.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.47%	-0.37%	-1.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.80%	-0.46%	-1.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-1.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.52%	-0.08%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.50%	-0.27%	-0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.51%	0.07%	+0.44%

Volatility

VTES vs. VUSB - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTES) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB) have volatilities of 0.27% and 0.26%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTES	VUSB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.27%	0.26%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.98%	0.55%	+0.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.24%	0.68%	+0.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.71%	0.84%	+0.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.71%	0.82%	+0.89%

VTES vs. VUSB - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTES has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VUSB's 0.10% 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

VTES vs. VUSB - Dividend Comparison

VTES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, less than VUSB's 4.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VTES Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF	2.75%	2.77%	2.99%	2.03%	0.00%	0.00%
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	4.39%	4.63%	5.16%	4.45%	1.56%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTES and VUSB in my portfolio?

VTES and VUSB have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTES or VUSB?

VTES has higher volatility (0.27%) compared to VUSB (0.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTES dropped -2.42% vs VUSB's -1.79%.

Which ETF is better, VTES or VUSB?

On 3-year performance, VUSB leads with 5.36% vs 3.16% for VTES. On fees, VTES is cheaper at 0.07% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTES or VUSB?

Over the 3-year period, VUSB has performed better with a 5.36% return vs 3.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTES or VUSB?

VTES is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for VUSB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTES or VUSB?

VUSB has the higher dividend yield at 4.39%, compared with 2.75% for VTES.

What is the main difference between VTES and VUSB?

VTES is categorized as Municipal Bonds, while VUSB is Ultrashort Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VTES and 0.10% for VUSB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.63 vs 2.72), 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.