BOND vs VXUS
BOND vs VXUS
PIMCO Active Bond Exchange-Traded Fund 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 | BOND | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.15% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,944 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.13% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.20% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.11% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.01% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 29, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BOND vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Active Bond Exchange-Traded Fund (BOND) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BOND returned +3.20% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, BOND is up 0.13% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BOND compounded at +5.11% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.01% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs +0.89%. 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 5.0% for BOND. 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 -19.7% for BOND 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOND charges 0.54% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $5 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOND currently yields 5.15% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BOND and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8887 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, BOND or VXUS?
BOND has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOND or VXUS?
Over the past year BOND returned +3.20% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), BOND annualized +0.89% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOND or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.0% for BOND. Worst drawdown: BOND -19.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BOND and VXUS?
BOND and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BOND and VXUS?
BOND and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8887 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOND or VXUS?
BOND yields 5.15% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BOND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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