WTBN vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

WTBN (WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - WTBN is a Intermediate Core Bond fund tracking the Bianco Research Fixed Income Total Return Index, while VPLS is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. WTBN is passively managed, while VPLS is actively managed. Over the past year, WTBN returned 3.69% vs 5.30% for VPLS. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WTBN charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

WTBN vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund (WTBN) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WTBN achieves a 0.02% return, which is significantly lower than VPLS's 0.80% return.

WTBN

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 0.02%
• 6M: 0.18%
• 1Y: 3.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPLS

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.62%
• YTD: 0.80%
• 6M: 0.89%
• 1Y: 5.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WTBN vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
WTBN WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund	0.02%	6.90%	2.26%	0.31%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.80%	7.86%	2.72%	0.85%

Correlation

The correlation between WTBN and VPLS is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 20, 2023	0.91

The correlation between WTBN and VPLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

WTBN vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

WTBN

WTBN Risk / Return Rank: 28
WTBN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
WTBN Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
WTBN Omega Ratio Rank: 26
WTBN Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
WTBN Martin Ratio Rank: 28

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 42
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

WTBN vs. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund (WTBN) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). 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.

	WTBN	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	1.48	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.47	2.19	-0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.26	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	1.96	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.78	6.12	-2.33

WTBN vs. VPLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WTBN Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is lower than the VPLS Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WTBN and VPLS, 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

WTBN vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WTBN drawdown since its inception was -4.08%, roughly equal to the maximum VPLS drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WTBN and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	WTBN	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.08%	-4.17%	+0.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.86%	-2.72%	-0.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.47%	-1.06%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.14%	-1.01%	-0.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.98%	0.87%	+0.11%

Volatility

WTBN vs. VPLS - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund (WTBN) has a higher volatility of 1.28% compared to Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) at 0.96%. This indicates that WTBN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WTBN	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.28%	0.96%	+0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.82%	2.76%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.69%	3.61%	+0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.55%	4.59%	-0.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.55%	4.59%	-0.04%

WTBN vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

WTBN has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VPLS's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

WTBN vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

WTBN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.97%, less than VPLS's 4.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.75%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%
WTBN WisdomTree Bianco Total Return Fund	3.97%	4.13%	3.47%	0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WTBN and VPLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, WTBN and VPLS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, WTBN or VPLS?

WTBN has higher volatility (1.28%) compared to VPLS (0.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WTBN dropped -4.08% vs VPLS's -4.17%.

Which ETF is better, WTBN or VPLS?

On 1-year performance, VPLS leads with 5.30% vs 3.69% for WTBN. On fees, VPLS is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, VPLS has been the lower-risk option at 0.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WTBN or VPLS?

Over the 1-year period, VPLS has performed better with a 5.30% return vs 3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WTBN or VPLS?

VPLS is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for WTBN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, WTBN or VPLS?

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.75%, compared with 3.97% for WTBN.

What is the main difference between WTBN and VPLS?

WTBN is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while VPLS is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for WTBN and 0.20% for VPLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.01), 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.