VCSH vs ISTB: Which Short-Duration Bond ETF Is the Best Investment in 2026?

Vanguard's VCSH short-term corporate bond ETF outperforms iShares' ISTB broad-market bond fund across multiple timeframes, offering lower costs (0.03% vs 0.06% expense ratio), higher dividend yield (4.50% vs 4.30%), and better 10-year returns. While ISTB provides greater diversification with 7,030 holdings versus VCSH's 3,030, VCSH emerges as the superior choice for investors seeking short-duration fixed income exposure.