VCSH vs VWIUX
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VCSH has a lower expense ratio. VCSH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $52.0B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.46% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 3,023 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +1.10% | -1.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.32% | +0.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.75% | +0.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.38% | -1.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VCSH vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCSH returned +3.32% while VWIUX returned +0.89%. Year to date, VCSH is up 1.10% versus a loss of 1.81% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VCSH compounded at +5.75% per year against +0.67% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +2.38% and -1.82% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VCSH has the edge at +1.30% annualized vs -1.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWIUX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.4% 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCSH charges 0.03% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCSH currently yields 4.46% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VCSH and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 2320 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 VWIUX?
VCSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VCSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCSH or VWIUX?
Over the past year VCSH returned +3.32% vs +0.89% for VWIUX, so VCSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VCSH annualized +1.30% vs -1.82% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCSH or VWIUX?
VWIUX has been the more volatile fund at 5.4% annualized versus 2.6% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: VCSH -12.9% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both VCSH and VWIUX?
VCSH and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCSH and VWIUX?
VCSH and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2320 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCSH or VWIUX?
VCSH yields 4.46% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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