JPST vs VBIL: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, JPST yields more: 4.13% (current yield) against 3.50% for VBIL. VBIL is cheaper to own at 0.06% a year vs 0.18%. Over the same months (Feb 2025 to Oct 2026), JPST returned 4.1% a year with distributions reinvested, and VBIL 4.0%. JPST's income is mostly taxable by states; VBIL's is generally exempt from state income tax.
| Compared | JPST | VBIL |
|---|---|---|
| YieldCurrent yield | 4.13% | 3.50% |
| Expense ratio | 0.18% | 0.06% |
| Total return, 1 yr | +3.5% | +3.8% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +4.9% | — |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | +3.9% | — |
| Worst drop since Feb 2025 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Share price since Feb 2025 | −0% | +1% |
| Pays | Monthly | Monthly |
| Issuer | JPMorgan | Vanguard |
| Assets | $42.5B | $14.3B |
| Started | 2017 | 2025 |
| Type | Ultra-short bond ETF | Treasury ETF |
Higher yield
JPST
4.13%
Lower cost
VBIL
0.06%
Better total return
JPST
4.1%/yr
Smaller worst drop
JPST
0.0%
Key facts: JPST vs VBIL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, JPST yields 4.13% (current yield) and VBIL yields 3.50% (current yield).
- JPST's expense ratio is 0.18% and VBIL's is 0.06%: $18 vs $6 a year on $10,000.
- From Feb 2025 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in JPST grew to $10,687 (4.1% a year) and $10,000 in VBIL to $10,668 (4.0% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: 0.0% for JPST and 0.0% for VBIL.
- JPST's income is mostly taxable by states, while VBIL's is generally exempt from state income tax.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "JPST vs VBIL: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/jpst-vs-vbil
$10,000 in each, Feb 2025 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values.
JPST became
$10,687
4.1% a year
VBIL became
$10,668
4.0% a year
What each holds and how it's taxed
- JPST · Ultra-short bond ETF
- Holds short-term bonds, which can include corporate or asset-backed debt, for a little more yield than T-bills and a little more price movement.
- VBIL · Treasury ETF
- Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies).
General information, not tax advice. Every cash fund by yield →
Top holdings
No overlap in the top ten.
JPST
- MGMXX JPMorgan US Government MMkt IM2.9%
VBIL
- Holdings not reported.
JPST vs VBIL: questions
Is JPST or VBIL better?
It depends on the job. JPST pays more today (4.13% vs 3.50%), VBIL costs less, and JPST has the better total return over Feb 2025 to Oct 2026, with JPST holding up better in its worst stretch. For cash you may need soon, yield after tax and how easily you can get the money out matter more than past returns.
Which pays a higher dividend, JPST or VBIL?
JPST, at 4.13% against 3.50% for VBIL as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $413 vs $350 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
JPST. From Feb 2025 to Oct 2026, it returned 4.1% a year with distributions reinvested, against 4.0% for VBIL. $10,000 became $10,687 vs $10,668.
Which is cheaper, JPST or VBIL?
VBIL, with a 0.06% expense ratio against 0.18%.
How are JPST and VBIL taxed?
JPST: Holds short-term bonds, which can include corporate or asset-backed debt, for a little more yield than T-bills and a little more price movement. VBIL: Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies). General information, not tax advice.
Related comparisons
Yields, costs and holdings as each fund reports them (via Yahoo Finance), updated daily; returns from month-end prices with distributions reinvested. VBIL leads on 2 of 3 measures above. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.