VUSB vs. FTSM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VUSB (Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF) and FTSM (First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VUSB returned 3.42%/yr vs 3.46%/yr for FTSM. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VUSB charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.44%/yr for FTSM.

Performance

VUSB vs. FTSM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSB achieves a 1.33% return, which is significantly lower than FTSM's 1.47% return.

VUSB

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 1.33%
• 6M: 1.71%
• 1Y: 4.51%
• 3Y*: 5.34%
• 5Y*: 3.42%
• 10Y*: —

FTSM

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.25%
• YTD: 1.47%
• 6M: 1.81%
• 1Y: 4.17%
• 3Y*: 4.84%
• 5Y*: 3.46%
• 10Y*: 2.54%

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

VUSB vs. FTSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.33%	5.20%	5.68%	5.52%	-0.36%	0.00%
FTSM First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF	1.47%	4.66%	5.22%	5.12%	1.02%	-0.02%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSB and FTSM is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2021	0.54

The correlation between VUSB and FTSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

VUSB vs. FTSM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VUSB	FTSM
Technology	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	100.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VUSB vs. FTSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

FTSM

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

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.

VUSB vs. FTSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB) and First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM). 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.

	VUSB	FTSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	6.95	8.82	-1.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	12.58	20.77	-8.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	3.36	4.42	-1.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	12.23	35.88	-23.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	70.50	178.84	-108.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VUSB vs. FTSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUSB Sharpe Ratio is 6.95, which is comparable to the FTSM Sharpe Ratio of 8.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUSB and FTSM, 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

	VUSB	FTSM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.95	8.82	-1.87
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	4.12	7.03	-2.91
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	2.90	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	4.06	1.96	+2.11

Drawdowns

VUSB vs. FTSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSB drawdown since its inception was -1.79%, smaller than the maximum FTSM drawdown of -4.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSB and FTSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSB	FTSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.79%	-4.12%	+2.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.37%	-0.12%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.46%	-0.15%	-0.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-1.79%	-0.65%	-1.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-4.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	-0.02%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.27%	-0.22%	-0.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.06%	0.02%	+0.04%

Volatility

VUSB vs. FTSM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB) has a higher volatility of 0.18% compared to First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) at 0.14%. This indicates that VUSB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUSB	FTSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.18%	0.14%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.53%	0.35%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65%	0.48%	+0.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.83%	0.49%	+0.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.82%	0.88%	-0.06%

VUSB vs. FTSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSB has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than FTSM's 0.44% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSB vs. FTSM - Dividend Comparison

VUSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.39%, more than FTSM's 4.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTSM First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF	4.16%	4.28%	4.91%	4.62%	1.62%	0.39%	1.20%	2.38%	2.14%	1.49%	1.03%	0.48%
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	4.39%	4.63%	5.16%	4.45%	1.56%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSB and FTSM in my portfolio?

VUSB and FTSM have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VUSB or FTSM?

VUSB has higher volatility (0.18%) compared to FTSM (0.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUSB dropped -1.79% vs FTSM's -4.12%.

Which ETF is better, VUSB or FTSM?

On 5-year performance, FTSM leads with 3.46% vs 3.42% for VUSB. On fees, VUSB is cheaper at 0.10% 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, VUSB or FTSM?

Over the 5-year period, FTSM has performed better with a 3.46% return vs 3.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSB or FTSM?

VUSB is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.44% for FTSM.

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

VUSB has the higher dividend yield at 4.39%, compared with 4.16% for FTSM.

What is the main difference between VUSB and FTSM?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VUSB and 0.44% for FTSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (8.82 vs 6.95), 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.