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VCIT vs VCSH

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund ETF Shares vs Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund ETF Shares

Last updated: 2026-04-10

VCIT Vanguard

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund ETF Shares (VCIT) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to investment-grade U.S. corporate bonds. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers a high dividend yield of 4.73%. Launched in 2009, the fund has a 17-year track record.

AUM: $64.7B ER: 0.03% Yield: 4.73% Since: Nov 19, 2009
VCSH Vanguard

Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond Index Fund ETF Shares (VCSH) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to us short-term corporate securities. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers a high dividend yield of 4.42%. Launched in 2009, the fund has a 17-year track record.

AUM: $41.7B ER: 0.03% Yield: 4.42% Since: Nov 19, 2009

Quick Verdict

VCIT has edged ahead over the past year (4.0% vs 1.5%).

Key Metrics

Metric VCIT VCSH
Expense Ratio 0.03% 0.03%
Dividend Yield 4.7% 4.4%
Fund Family Vanguard Vanguard
Category US Investment Grade Corporate US Short-Term Corporate

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

75 81 87 93 99 105 2021-04 2022-07 2023-10 2025-01 2026-04
VCIT -11.1%
VCSH -3.9%

Performance Comparison

Period VCIT VCSH Difference
1 Month -0.19% -0.25% +0.06%
3 Months -0.97% -0.61% -0.36%
6 Months -1.38% -0.81% -0.57%
YTD -0.86% -0.64% -0.22%
1 Year +4.00% +1.50% +2.50%
3 Years +3.44% +4.03% -0.59%
5 Years -11.08% -3.94% -7.14%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period VCIT Fees VCSH Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $60 $60 $0
$10,000 20 years $258 $258 $0
$10,000 30 years $835 $835 $0
$50,000 10 years $299 $299 $0
$50,000 30 years $4,176 $4,176 $0
$100,000 30 years $8,352 $8,352 $0

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric VCIT VCSH
Annualized Volatility 6.7% 3.0%
Max Drawdown -23.4% -11.5%
Sharpe Ratio -1.00 -1.77

Dividend Comparison

Metric VCIT VCSH
Annual Dividend (per share) $3.93 $3.50
Dividend Yield 4.73% 4.42%
Distribution Frequency Monthly Monthly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose VCIT if...

recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

Choose VCIT if...

you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.

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