BIV vs BNDX
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Bond ETF
Which is better, BIV or BNDX?
Each has led over a different period.
BIV has a lower expense ratio. BIV led over 3Y, BNDX over 1Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | BNDX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.07% |
| AUM | $28.8B | $82.7B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.32% | 4.58% |
| Holdings | 2,336 | 6,859 |
| YTD Return | -1.92% | -0.43%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.95% | -0.02%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.53%Best | +3.94% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.47% | -0.08%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 4.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -17.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,767 | $9,960Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | - | Long Term Mid Quality |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | May 31, 2013 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 4, 2013 to Sep 21, 2026 (13.3 years).
BIV vs BNDX growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 13.3 years both funds cover.
BIV vs BNDX Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned -0.95% while BNDX returned -0.02%. Year to date, BIV is down 1.92% versus a loss of 0.43% for BNDX.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.53% per year against +3.94% for BNDX; over five years the annualized figures are -0.47% and -0.08% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, BNDX has the edge at +1.01% annualized vs +0.34%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.3% 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 -20.3% for BIV and -17.2% for BNDX. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV 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, BIV currently yields 4.32% against 4.58% for BNDX.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 798 holdings in BIV and 943 in BNDX, totalling 60.9% and 11.3% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 798 positions we hold weights for in BIV and 943 in BNDX, against full books of 2,336 and 6,859.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BIV and BNDX you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BIV or BNDX?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while BNDX charges 0.07%. BIV is the cheaper option, by $4 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BIV or BNDX?
Over the past year BIV returned -0.95% vs -0.02% for BNDX, so BNDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BIV annualized +0.34% vs +1.01% for BNDX. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BIV or BNDX?
BIV has been the more volatile fund at 5.3% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs BNDX -17.2%.
Should I hold both BIV and BNDX?
BIV and BNDX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or BNDX?
BIV yields 4.32% while BNDX yields 4.58%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is BNDX better than BIV?
BIV has a lower expense ratio. BIV led over 3Y, BNDX over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.