FBND vs VXUS
FBND vs VXUS
Fidelity Total 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 | FBND | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $26.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.07% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,558 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.08% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.22% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.67% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.33% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 6, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FBND vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity Total Bond ETF (FBND) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FBND returned +2.22% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, FBND is down 0.08% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, FBND compounded at +4.67% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.33% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.69% annualized vs +0.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 5.0% for FBND. 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 -17.3% for FBND 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FBND charges 0.36% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $5 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FBND currently yields 5.07% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FBND and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7901 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, FBND or VXUS?
FBND has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FBND or VXUS?
Over the past year FBND returned +2.22% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FBND annualized +0.97% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FBND or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 5.0% for FBND. Worst drawdown: FBND -17.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FBND and VXUS?
FBND and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FBND and VXUS?
FBND and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FBND or VXUS?
FBND yields 5.07% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FBND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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