VWAHX vs. VWSTX
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWAHX) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWSTX).
VWAHX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Dec 27, 1978. VWSTX is managed by Vanguard. It was launched on Sep 1, 1977.
Performance
VWAHX vs. VWSTX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
VWAHX vs. VWSTX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VWAHX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares | -0.27% | 4.96% | 3.98% | 8.39% | -11.76% | 3.36% | 5.39% | 9.48% | 1.31% | 7.86% |
VWSTX Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares | 0.29% | 4.79% | 3.68% | 3.87% | -0.81% | 0.17% | 1.82% | 2.50% | 1.59% | 1.00% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VWAHX achieves a -0.27% return, which is significantly lower than VWSTX's 0.29% return. Over the past 10 years, VWAHX has outperformed VWSTX with an annualized return of 2.99%, while VWSTX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.88% annualized return.
VWAHX
- 1D
- 0.38%
- 1M
- -2.23%
- YTD
- -0.27%
- 6M
- 1.32%
- 1Y
- 3.98%
- 3Y*
- 4.54%
- 5Y*
- 1.48%
- 10Y*
- 2.99%
VWSTX
- 1D
- 0.06%
- 1M
- -0.50%
- YTD
- 0.29%
- 6M
- 0.95%
- 1Y
- 3.49%
- 3Y*
- 3.85%
- 5Y*
- 2.36%
- 10Y*
- 1.88%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VWAHX vs. VWSTX - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both VWAHX and VWSTX have an expense ratio of 0.17%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Return for Risk
VWAHX vs. VWSTX — Risk / Return Rank
VWAHX
VWSTX
VWAHX vs. VWSTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWAHX) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWSTX). 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.
| VWAHX | VWSTX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.78 | 2.57 | -1.79 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.06 | 4.74 | -3.68 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.22 | 2.13 | -0.91 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.95 | 4.12 | -3.17 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.94 | 18.45 | -15.52 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VWAHX | VWSTX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.78 | 2.57 | -1.79 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.31 | 2.00 | -1.68 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.65 | 1.72 | -1.07 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.64 | 2.03 | -1.39 |
Correlation
The correlation between VWAHX and VWSTX is 0.55, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Dividends
VWAHX vs. VWSTX - Dividend Comparison
VWAHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.06%, more than VWSTX's 3.11% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VWAHX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares | 4.06% | 4.95% | 4.38% | 3.53% | 3.36% | 2.98% | 3.31% | 3.94% | 3.78% | 3.68% | 3.75% | 3.67% |
VWSTX Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares | 3.11% | 3.90% | 3.73% | 2.42% | 1.16% | 0.61% | 1.17% | 1.71% | 1.45% | 1.06% | 0.87% | 0.70% |
Drawdowns
VWAHX vs. VWSTX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VWAHX drawdown since its inception was -40.26%, which is greater than VWSTX's maximum drawdown of -3.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWAHX and VWSTX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VWAHX | VWSTX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -40.26% | -3.09% | -37.17% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -5.63% | -1.01% | -4.62% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -17.32% | -2.32% | -15.00% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -17.32% | -3.08% | -14.24% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.50% | -0.63% | -1.87% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.95% | -0.32% | -6.63% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.82% | 0.23% | +1.59% |
Volatility
VWAHX vs. VWSTX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWAHX) has a higher volatility of 1.29% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Investor Shares (VWSTX) at 0.28%. This indicates that VWAHX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VWSTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VWAHX | VWSTX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.29% | 0.28% | +1.01% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 1.99% | 0.75% | +1.24% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 5.70% | 1.51% | +4.19% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 4.75% | 1.19% | +3.56% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.61% | 1.10% | +3.51% |