VTMGX vs. VBISX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VTMGX (Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VBISX (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund) are both mutual funds - VTMGX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while VBISX is a Short-Term Bond fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VTMGX returned 10.45%/yr vs 1.77%/yr for VBISX. At a correlation of -0.09, they often move in opposite directions. VTMGX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VBISX.

Performance

VTMGX vs. VBISX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTMGX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTMGX achieves a 13.89% return, which is significantly higher than VBISX's 0.26% return. Over the past 10 years, VTMGX has outperformed VBISX with an annualized return of 10.45%, while VBISX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.77% annualized return.

VTMGX

• 1D: 3.45%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 13.89%
• 6M: 15.93%
• 1Y: 28.77%
• 3Y*: 19.10%
• 5Y*: 9.34%
• 10Y*: 10.45%

VBISX

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: 0.26%
• 6M: 0.79%
• 1Y: 3.44%
• 3Y*: 4.18%
• 5Y*: 1.40%
• 10Y*: 1.77%

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

VTMGX vs. VBISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTMGX Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Admiral Shares	13.89%	35.17%	3.03%	17.65%	-15.33%	11.39%	10.25%	22.04%	-14.48%	26.39%
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund	0.26%	5.67%	3.66%	4.54%	-5.61%	-1.35%	4.63%	4.78%	1.27%	1.10%

Correlation

The correlation between VTMGX and VBISX is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.24
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 17, 1999	-0.09

The correlation between VTMGX and VBISX shifts across timeframes, from -0.09 (all time) to 0.31 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VTMGX vs. VBISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTMGX

VTMGX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VTMGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VTMGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VTMGX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VTMGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VTMGX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

VBISX

VBISX Risk / Return Rank: 55
VBISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VBISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VBISX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VBISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VBISX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

VTMGX vs. VBISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTMGX) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX). 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.

	VTMGX	VBISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	1.64	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.75	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.33	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.57	2.37	+0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.82	7.35	+2.47

VTMGX vs. VBISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTMGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the VBISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTMGX and VBISX, 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

VTMGX vs. VBISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTMGX drawdown since its inception was -60.58%, which is greater than VBISX's maximum drawdown of -8.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTMGX and VBISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTMGX	VBISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.58%	-8.79%	-51.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.67%	-1.54%	-10.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.18%	-1.55%	-11.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-8.72%	-20.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.68%	-8.79%	-26.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.72%	-0.66%	-1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.64%	-0.87%	-13.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	0.50%	+2.55%

Volatility

VTMGX vs. VBISX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTMGX) has a higher volatility of 6.63% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund (VBISX) at 0.70%. This indicates that VTMGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTMGX	VBISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.63%	0.70%	+5.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.63%	1.60%	+12.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.99%	2.23%	+13.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.04%	2.95%	+13.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.59%	2.39%	+14.20%

VTMGX vs. VBISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTMGX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VBISX's 0.15% 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

VTMGX vs. VBISX - Dividend Comparison

VTMGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.63%, less than VBISX's 3.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBISX Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund	3.90%	3.44%	3.29%	2.10%	1.38%	1.16%	1.72%	2.16%	1.92%	1.58%	1.42%	1.34%
VTMGX Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.63%	3.20%	3.34%	3.14%	2.88%	3.14%	2.02%	3.03%	3.33%	2.77%	3.06%	2.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTMGX and VBISX in my portfolio?

VTMGX and VBISX have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTMGX or VBISX?

VTMGX has higher volatility (6.63%) compared to VBISX (0.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTMGX dropped -60.58% vs VBISX's -8.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTMGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.64), 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.