VWETX vs. FSHBX

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

VWETX (Vanguard Long-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares) and FSHBX (Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund) are both Total Bond Market funds. Over the past 10 years, VWETX returned 1.07%/yr vs 2.10%/yr for FSHBX. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VWETX charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for FSHBX.

Performance

VWETX vs. FSHBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VWETX) and Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund (FSHBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWETX achieves a -0.44% return, which is significantly lower than FSHBX's 0.65% return. Over the past 10 years, VWETX has underperformed FSHBX with an annualized return of 1.07%, while FSHBX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.10% annualized return.

VWETX

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: -1.16%
• 6M: -0.83%
• YTD: -0.44%
• 1Y: 4.83%
• 3Y*: 3.55%
• 5Y*: -3.27%
• 10Y*: 1.07%

FSHBX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.09%
• 6M: 0.77%
• YTD: 0.65%
• 1Y: 3.35%
• 3Y*: 4.85%
• 5Y*: 2.27%
• 10Y*: 2.10%

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

VWETX vs. FSHBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWETX Vanguard Long-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares	-0.44%	7.31%	-2.70%	8.92%	-25.54%	-2.79%	15.50%	20.56%	-6.17%	12.08%
FSHBX Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund	0.65%	5.49%	4.73%	5.35%	-3.86%	-0.92%	3.59%	4.20%	1.21%	1.16%

Correlation

The correlation between VWETX and FSHBX is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 12, 2001	0.59

The correlation between VWETX and FSHBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VWETX vs. FSHBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWETX

VWETX Risk / Return Rank: 9
VWETX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
VWETX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
VWETX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
VWETX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
VWETX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

FSHBX

FSHBX Risk / Return Rank: 74
FSHBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
FSHBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
FSHBX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FSHBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
FSHBX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

VWETX vs. FSHBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VWETX) and Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund (FSHBX). 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.

	VWETX	FSHBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.49	1.70	-1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.75	2.97	-2.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.41	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.73	2.77	-2.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.82	10.54	-8.72

VWETX vs. FSHBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWETX Sharpe Ratio is 0.49, which is lower than the FSHBX Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWETX and FSHBX, 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

VWETX vs. FSHBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWETX drawdown since its inception was -36.04%, which is greater than FSHBX's maximum drawdown of -8.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWETX and FSHBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWETX	FSHBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.04%	-8.80%	-27.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.12%	-1.17%	-3.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.33%	-1.17%	-12.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.42%	-6.36%	-28.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.04%	-6.51%	-29.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.60%	-0.24%	-19.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.25%	-1.04%	-6.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	0.31%	+1.74%

Volatility

VWETX vs. FSHBX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Long-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares (VWETX) has a higher volatility of 2.15% compared to Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund (FSHBX) at 0.48%. This indicates that VWETX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FSHBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VWETX	FSHBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.15%	0.48%	+1.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.81%	1.44%	+4.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.60%	1.91%	+5.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.06%	2.22%	+9.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.84%	1.86%	+8.98%

VWETX vs. FSHBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWETX has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than FSHBX's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VWETX vs. FSHBX - Dividend Comparison

VWETX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.27%, more than FSHBX's 4.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSHBX Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund	4.16%	4.26%	4.00%	3.00%	0.83%	1.04%	2.62%	2.13%	1.78%	1.27%	1.12%	0.88%
VWETX Vanguard Long-Term Investment-Grade Fund Admiral Shares	5.27%	5.06%	5.10%	4.26%	4.54%	4.86%	6.99%	5.11%	4.40%	5.60%	6.25%	7.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWETX and FSHBX in my portfolio?

VWETX and FSHBX have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VWETX or FSHBX?

VWETX has higher volatility (2.15%) compared to FSHBX (0.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWETX dropped -36.04% vs FSHBX's -8.80%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSHBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 0.49), 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.