VCSH vs VT
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VCSH has a lower expense ratio. VT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $44.9B | $77.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.44% | 1.61% | |
| Holdings | 2,719 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | +0.59% | +13.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.88% | +24.60% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.45% | +20.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.30% | +11.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Jun 24, 2008 |
VCSH vs VT Performance
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCSH returned +2.88% while VT returned +24.60%. Year to date, VCSH is up 0.59% versus a gain of 13.96% for VT.
Over three years, VCSH compounded at +5.45% per year against +20.52% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +2.30% and +11.09% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VT has the edge at +7.35% annualized vs +1.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -50.6% for VT. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCSH charges 0.03% per year while VT charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCSH currently yields 4.44% against 1.61% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
VCSH and VT share 6 holdings out of 11361 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCSH or VT?
VCSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VT charges 0.06%. VCSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCSH or VT?
Over the past year VCSH returned +2.88% vs +24.60% for VT, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VCSH annualized +1.28% vs +7.35% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCSH or VT?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 2.6% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: VCSH -12.9% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both VCSH and VT?
VCSH and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCSH and VT?
VCSH and VT share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 11361 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCSH or VT?
VCSH yields 4.44% while VT yields 1.61%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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