VCSH vs VGIT
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Which is better, VCSH or VGIT?
VCSH has been ahead.
VCSH led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | VGIT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Tie | 0.03%Tie |
| AUM | $52.0B | $50.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.47% | 3.90% |
| Holdings | 3,023 | 106 |
| YTD Return | +0.47%Best | -1.68% |
| 1Y Return | +1.71%Best | -0.98% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.36%Best | +3.67% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.22%Best | -0.30% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6%Best | 4.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9%Best | -17.2% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,160Best | $9,851 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Short Term Bond | - |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Nov 19, 2009 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 23, 2009 to Sep 17, 2026 (16.8 years).
VCSH vs VGIT growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 16.8 years both funds cover.
VCSH vs VGIT Performance
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCSH returned +1.71% while VGIT returned -0.98%. Year to date, VCSH is up 0.47% versus a loss of 1.68% for VGIT.
Over three years, VCSH compounded at +5.36% per year against +3.67% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are +2.22% and -0.30% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VCSH has the edge at +1.26% annualized vs +0.68%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.3% compared with 2.6% for VCSH. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -12.9% for VCSH and -17.2% for VGIT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.63. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCSH charges 0.03% per year while VGIT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VCSH currently yields 4.47% against 3.90% for VGIT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VCSH and VGIT you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCSH or VGIT?
VCSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGIT charges 0.03%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, VCSH or VGIT?
Over the past year VCSH returned +1.71% vs -0.98% for VGIT, so VCSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VCSH annualized +1.26% vs +0.68% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VCSH or VGIT?
VGIT has been the more volatile fund at 4.3% annualized versus 2.6% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: VCSH -12.9% vs VGIT -17.2%.
Should I hold both VCSH and VGIT?
VCSH and VGIT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCSH or VGIT?
VCSH yields 4.47% while VGIT yields 3.90%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VGIT better than VCSH?
VCSH led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.