Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF

VTC

Market cap $1.38B

Tightening credit spreads can create opportunities for fixed income investors to maximize in the current bond environment. In its latest iteration of Active Fixed Income Perspectives, Vanguard noted this spread compression across the full credit market spectrum during Q3.

Corporate bonds typically appeal to those seeking higher yield potential relative to safer government debt, but current market uncertainty may keep fixed income investors from making the move. However, strong fundamentals are also underpinning corporate bonds, which only add to their appeal despite ongoing risks.

Warwick Investment Management, Inc. added 85,836 shares of the Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF in an estimated $6.65 million transaction based on the quarterly average price for Q3 2025. This transaction represents 1.15% of 13F reportable assets under management as of Q3 2025.

On October 8, 2025, Wedmont Private Capital increased its stake in Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC 0.25%) by purchasing 80,721 shares. The estimated trade value was $6.25 million, according to the SEC disclosure.

Muni and corporate bonds trading activity has been reaching record levels through the first half of 2025 at the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). This certainly speaks to the attractiveness of both, which offer yield and strong fundamentals in the current market landscape.

The iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG -0.30%) is a suitable option for investors seeking bond exposure in their portfolios. That said, the Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC -0.13%) is a better option for long-term investors on a risk/reward basis.

VTC offers broad, investment-grade corporate bond exposure with a low expense ratio, but is overweight BBB credits and has a 6.7-year duration. Current credit spreads and rates are not attractive for entry; spreads are near historic lows and rates may move structurally higher due to inflation and deficits. We expect VTC to become attractive only after a significant widening in credit spreads, ideally above 150-200 bps, or during a recession scenario.

With volatility spiking and stock market indexes like the S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.55%) and Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC 0.70%) down on the year, investors may be looking for ways to diversify their portfolios and collect some passive income.

Suppose you want to diversify stock-specific risk by buying exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which hold multiple positions in assets, and generate income. In that case, these three ETFs might be an excellent fit for your portfolio.

With the S&P 500 (^GSPC -1.46%) yield at just 1.2%, it has become more challenging to find companies or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that can provide a steady and sizable stream of passive income. But that doesn't mean there aren't viable options if you know where to look.