BND vs BNDX
BND vs BNDX
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF vs Vanguard Total International Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
BND has a lower expense ratio. BND delivered stronger 1-year returns. BND offers more diversification with 10790 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BND | BNDX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $159.8B | $83.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.94% | 4.45% | |
| Holdings | 17,528 | 13,626 | |
| YTD Return | -0.50% | +0.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.63% | +1.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.92% | +4.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.47% | -0.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 4.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -17.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | May 31, 2013 |
BND vs BNDX Performance
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BND returned +2.63% while BNDX returned +1.19%. Year to date, BND is down 0.50% versus a gain of 0.24% for BNDX.
Over three years, BND compounded at +3.92% per year against +4.00% for BNDX; over five years the annualized figures are -0.47% and -0.10% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, BNDX has the edge at +1.07% annualized vs +0.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.6% compared with 4.1% for BNDX. 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 -19.6% for BND and -17.2% for BNDX. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BND charges 0.03% per year while BNDX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $7 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BND currently yields 3.94% against 4.45% for BNDX.
Holdings Overlap
BND and BNDX share 0 holdings out of 12059 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, BND or BNDX?
BND has an expense ratio of 0.03% while BNDX charges 0.07%. BND is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BND or BNDX?
Over the past year BND returned +2.63% vs +1.19% for BNDX, so BND leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BND annualized +0.68% vs +1.07% for BNDX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BND or BNDX?
BND has been the more volatile fund at 4.6% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BND -19.6% vs BNDX -17.2%.
Should I hold both BND and BNDX?
BND and BNDX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BND and BNDX?
BND and BNDX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 12059 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BND or BNDX?
BND yields 3.94% while BNDX yields 4.45%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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