VWALX vs. VMBSX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VWALX (Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares) and VMBSX (Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - VWALX is a High Yield Muni fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VMBSX is a Total Bond Market fund managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VWALX returned 3.07%/yr vs 1.89%/yr for VMBSX. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VWALX charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VMBSX.

Performance

VWALX vs. VMBSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWALX) and Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities Index Fund Admiral Shares (VMBSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWALX achieves a 2.52% return, which is significantly higher than VMBSX's 1.03% return. Over the past 10 years, VWALX has outperformed VMBSX with an annualized return of 3.07%, while VMBSX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.89% annualized return.

VWALX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 2.07%
• YTD: 2.52%
• 6M: 2.98%
• 1Y: 8.54%
• 3Y*: 5.52%
• 5Y*: 1.61%
• 10Y*: 3.07%

VMBSX

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 1.03%
• 6M: 1.19%
• 1Y: 6.22%
• 3Y*: 4.67%
• 5Y*: 0.64%
• 10Y*: 1.89%

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

VWALX vs. VMBSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWALX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares	2.52%	5.06%	4.08%	8.45%	-11.69%	3.42%	5.49%	9.58%	1.38%	7.96%
VMBSX Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.03%	8.43%	1.76%	4.99%	-11.56%	-1.35%	3.74%	11.47%	0.87%	2.32%

Correlation

The correlation between VWALX and VMBSX 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	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 23, 2009	0.44

The correlation between VWALX and VMBSX shifts across timeframes, from 0.44 (all time) to 0.57 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VWALX vs. VMBSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWALX

VWALX Risk / Return Rank: 77
VWALX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
VWALX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
VWALX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
VWALX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VWALX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

VMBSX

VMBSX Risk / Return Rank: 39
VMBSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VMBSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VMBSX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VMBSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VMBSX Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

VWALX vs. VMBSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWALX) and Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities Index Fund Admiral Shares (VMBSX). 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.

	VWALX	VMBSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.65	1.67	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.30	2.48	+1.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.69	1.31	+0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	2.36	+0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.24	7.53	+2.72

VWALX vs. VMBSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWALX Sharpe Ratio is 2.65, which is higher than the VMBSX Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWALX and VMBSX, 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

VWALX vs. VMBSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWALX drawdown since its inception was -17.24%, roughly equal to the maximum VMBSX drawdown of -17.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWALX and VMBSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWALX	VMBSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.24%	-17.44%	+0.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.05%	-2.67%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.10%	-7.53%	+0.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.24%	-17.12%	-0.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-17.24%	-17.44%	+0.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.00%	+1.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.16%	-2.48%	+0.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.84%	0.84%	0.00%

Volatility

VWALX vs. VMBSX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (VWALX) is 0.88%, while Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities Index Fund Admiral Shares (VMBSX) has a volatility of 1.32%. This indicates that VWALX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VMBSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VWALX	VMBSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.88%	1.32%	-0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.39%	2.84%	-0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.23%	3.76%	-0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.81%	6.41%	-1.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.64%	4.86%	-0.22%

VWALX vs. VMBSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWALX has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VMBSX's 0.07% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VWALX vs. VMBSX - Dividend Comparison

VWALX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.12%, which matches VMBSX's 4.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VMBSX Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.15%	4.18%	4.24%	3.28%	2.31%	0.99%	2.00%	7.48%	2.72%	2.16%	1.98%	2.01%
VWALX Vanguard High-Yield Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares	4.12%	5.04%	4.47%	3.59%	3.44%	3.04%	3.40%	4.03%	3.85%	3.77%	3.86%	3.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWALX and VMBSX in my portfolio?

VWALX and VMBSX 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, VWALX or VMBSX?

VMBSX has higher volatility (1.32%) compared to VWALX (0.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWALX dropped -17.24% vs VMBSX's -17.44%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWALX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 1.67), 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.