VCSH vs VTBNX
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund Institutional Shares
Quick Verdict
VTBNX has a lower expense ratio. VCSH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTBNX offers more diversification with 15,623 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | VTBNX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $52.0B | $207.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.46% | 3.79% | |
| Holdings | 3,023 | 15,623 | |
| YTD Return | +1.17% | -2.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.29% | -1.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.71% | +0.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.38% | -3.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 6.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -21.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Feb 17, 2009 |
VCSH vs VTBNX Performance
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTBNX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCSH returned +3.29% while VTBNX returned -1.78%. Year to date, VCSH is up 1.17% versus a loss of 2.49% for VTBNX.
Over three years, VCSH compounded at +5.71% per year against +0.50% for VTBNX; over five years the annualized figures are +2.38% and -3.54% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VCSH has the edge at +1.31% annualized vs -3.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTBNX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.3% 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 -21.5% for VTBNX. 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCSH charges 0.03% per year while VTBNX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $2 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCSH currently yields 4.46% against 3.79% for VTBNX.
Holdings Overlap
VCSH and VTBNX share 471 holdings out of 12814 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VCSH | Weight in VTBNX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABBV 3.2 11/21/29 | 0.20% | 0.02% | 0.18% |
| CVS 4.3 03/25/28 | 0.20% | 0.01% | 0.19% |
| WFC V5.574 07/25/29 | 0.18% | 0.01% | 0.17% |
| AMGN 5.15 03/02/28 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC V5.244 01/24/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HSBC V7.39 11/03/28 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GS V5.218 04/23/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MS V2.699 01/22/31 G | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO 4.85 02/26/29 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IBM 3.5 05/15/29 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCSH or VTBNX?
VCSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTBNX charges 0.02%. VTBNX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCSH or VTBNX?
Over the past year VCSH returned +3.29% vs -1.78% for VTBNX, so VCSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VCSH annualized +1.31% vs -3.54% for VTBNX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCSH or VTBNX?
VTBNX has been the more volatile fund at 6.3% annualized versus 2.6% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: VCSH -12.9% vs VTBNX -21.5%.
Should I hold both VCSH and VTBNX?
VCSH and VTBNX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VCSH and VTBNX?
VCSH and VTBNX share 471 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 12814 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCSH or VTBNX?
VCSH yields 4.46% while VTBNX yields 3.79%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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