VUSUX vs. VFIUX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VUSUX (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares) and VFIUX (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares) are both Government Bonds funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VUSUX returned -1.17%/yr vs 1.24%/yr for VFIUX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.10% expense ratio.

Performance

VUSUX vs. VFIUX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VUSUX) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VFIUX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSUX achieves a -0.01% return, which is significantly higher than VFIUX's -0.77% return. Over the past 10 years, VUSUX has underperformed VFIUX with an annualized return of -1.17%, while VFIUX has yielded a comparatively higher 1.24% annualized return.

VUSUX

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: -0.01%
• 6M: 0.37%
• 1Y: 4.19%
• 3Y*: -0.63%
• 5Y*: -5.57%
• 10Y*: -1.17%

VFIUX

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: -0.77%
• 6M: -0.34%
• 1Y: 2.80%
• 3Y*: 3.50%
• 5Y*: 0.08%
• 10Y*: 1.24%

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

VUSUX vs. VFIUX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VUSUX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	-0.01%	5.66%	-6.30%	3.43%	-29.51%	-4.71%	18.10%	14.26%	-1.80%	8.72%
VFIUX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	-0.77%	7.65%	1.49%	3.85%	-10.34%	-2.30%	8.31%	6.40%	1.11%	1.67%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSUX and VFIUX is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 12, 2001	0.87

The correlation between VUSUX and VFIUX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VUSUX vs. VFIUX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUSUX

VUSUX Risk / Return Rank: 7
VUSUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
VUSUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VUSUX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
VUSUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
VUSUX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

VFIUX

VFIUX Risk / Return Rank: 10
VFIUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
VFIUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
VFIUX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
VFIUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
VFIUX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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.

VUSUX vs. VFIUX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VUSUX) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VFIUX). 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.

	VUSUX	VFIUX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.52	0.80	-0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.80	1.23	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.14	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	0.98	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.61	2.59	-0.98

VUSUX vs. VFIUX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUSUX Sharpe Ratio is 0.52, which is lower than the VFIUX Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUSUX and VFIUX, 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

VUSUX vs. VFIUX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSUX drawdown since its inception was -46.12%, which is greater than VFIUX's maximum drawdown of -15.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSUX and VFIUX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSUX	VFIUX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.12%	-15.41%	-30.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.18%	-3.19%	-3.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.67%	-4.74%	-12.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.34%	-14.88%	-26.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.12%	-15.41%	-30.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-35.99%	-2.46%	-33.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.58%	-2.79%	-8.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	1.20%	+1.66%

Volatility

VUSUX vs. VFIUX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VUSUX) has a higher volatility of 2.15% compared to Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VFIUX) at 1.26%. This indicates that VUSUX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFIUX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUSUX	VFIUX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.15%	1.26%	+0.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.20%	2.89%	+3.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.80%	3.89%	+4.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.57%	5.65%	+8.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.76%	4.68%	+9.08%

VUSUX vs. VFIUX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VUSUX and VFIUX have an expense ratio of 0.10%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VUSUX vs. VFIUX - Dividend Comparison

VUSUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.56%, more than VFIUX's 4.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFIUX Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	4.05%	3.99%	4.16%	3.25%	2.07%	1.07%	4.94%	2.40%	2.44%	1.86%	2.87%	2.60%
VUSUX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	4.56%	4.39%	4.15%	3.43%	3.05%	4.46%	10.28%	2.92%	2.91%	2.74%	5.38%	5.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSUX and VFIUX in my portfolio?

VUSUX and VFIUX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VUSUX or VFIUX?

VUSUX has higher volatility (2.15%) compared to VFIUX (1.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUSUX dropped -46.12% vs VFIUX's -15.41%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIUX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.80 vs 0.52), 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.