VCSH vs VWO
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
VCSH has a lower expense ratio. VWO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWO offers more diversification with 6,334 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | VWO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $52.0B | $122.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.46% | 2.39% | |
| Holdings | 3,023 | 6,334 | |
| YTD Return | +1.10% | +10.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.32% | +20.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.75% | +18.45% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.38% | +7.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -68.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Mar 4, 2005 |
VCSH vs VWO Performance
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCSH returned +3.32% while VWO returned +20.99%. Year to date, VCSH is up 1.10% versus a gain of 10.18% for VWO.
Over three years, VCSH compounded at +5.75% per year against +18.45% for VWO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.38% and +7.14% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VWO has the edge at +4.98% annualized vs +1.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -68.3% for VWO. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCSH charges 0.03% per year while VWO 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 4.46% against 2.39% for VWO.
Holdings Overlap
VCSH and VWO share 0 holdings out of 4541 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 VWO?
VCSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWO 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 VWO?
Over the past year VCSH returned +3.32% vs +20.99% for VWO, so VWO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VCSH annualized +1.30% vs +4.98% for VWO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCSH or VWO?
VWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 2.6% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: VCSH -12.9% vs VWO -68.3%.
Should I hold both VCSH and VWO?
VCSH and VWO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCSH and VWO?
VCSH and VWO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCSH or VWO?
VCSH yields 4.46% while VWO yields 2.39%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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