BIV vs BNDX
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
BIV has a lower expense ratio. BIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BIV offers more diversification with 2101 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | BNDX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $29.3B | $83.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 4.45% | |
| Holdings | 2,321 | 13,626 | |
| YTD Return | -0.92% | +0.35% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.54% | +1.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.56% | +4.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.20% | -0.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 4.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -17.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | May 31, 2013 |
BIV vs BNDX Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.54% while BNDX returned +1.22%. Year to date, BIV is down 0.92% versus a gain of 0.35% for BNDX.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.56% per year against +4.18% for BNDX; over five years the annualized figures are -0.20% and -0.06% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, BNDX has the edge at +1.08% annualized vs +0.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.7% 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
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 4.18% against 4.45% for BNDX.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and BNDX share 0 holdings out of 3370 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, BIV or BNDX?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while BNDX charges 0.07%. BIV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or BNDX?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.54% vs +1.22% for BNDX, so BIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BIV annualized +0.98% vs +1.08% for BNDX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or BNDX?
BIV has been the more volatile fund at 5.7% 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and BNDX?
BIV and BNDX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3370 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or BNDX?
BIV yields 4.18% while BNDX yields 4.45%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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