VCSH vs VTILX
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional
Quick Verdict
VCSH has a lower expense ratio. VCSH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTILX offers more diversification with 7,391 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | VTILX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $52.0B | $141.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.46% | 4.19% | |
| Holdings | 3,023 | 7,391 | |
| YTD Return | +1.13% | -1.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.19% | -3.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.74% | -0.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.39% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -15.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Feb 17, 2021 |
VCSH vs VTILX Performance
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional (VTILX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCSH returned +3.19% while VTILX returned -3.13%. Year to date, VCSH is up 1.13% versus a loss of 1.38% for VTILX.
Over three years, VCSH compounded at +5.74% per year against -0.30% for VTILX. Across the full 5-year window we track, VCSH has the edge at +1.31% annualized vs -2.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTILX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.0% 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 -15.3% for VTILX. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCSH charges 0.03% per year while VTILX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $7 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCSH currently yields 4.46% against 4.19% for VTILX.
Holdings Overlap
VCSH and VTILX share 0 holdings out of 2016 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCSH or VTILX?
VCSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTILX charges 0.07%. VCSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCSH or VTILX?
Over the past year VCSH returned +3.19% vs -3.13% for VTILX, so VCSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VCSH annualized +1.31% vs -2.90% for VTILX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCSH or VTILX?
VTILX has been the more volatile fund at 6.0% annualized versus 2.6% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: VCSH -12.9% vs VTILX -15.3%.
Should I hold both VCSH and VTILX?
VCSH and VTILX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCSH and VTILX?
VCSH and VTILX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2016 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCSH or VTILX?
VCSH yields 4.46% while VTILX yields 4.19%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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