BNDX vs VXUS
BNDX vs VXUS
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $83.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.45% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 13,626 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.24% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.19% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.00% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.10% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BNDX vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.19% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.24% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.00% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.10% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs +1.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -17.2% for BNDX and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDX currently yields 4.45% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 9129 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, BNDX or VXUS?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or VXUS?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.19% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.07% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VXUS?
BNDX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and VXUS?
BNDX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VXUS?
BNDX yields 4.45% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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