BND vs VB
BND vs VB
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF vs Vanguard Small Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VB delivered stronger 1-year returns. BND offers more diversification with 10790 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BND | VB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $159.8B | $81.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.94% | 1.48% | |
| Holdings | 17,528 | 1,324 | |
| YTD Return | -0.26% | +17.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.01% | +29.09% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.97% | +16.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.25% | +8.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 18.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -61.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
BND vs VB Performance
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BND returned +2.01% while VB returned +29.09%. Year to date, BND is down 0.26% versus a gain of 17.82% for VB.
Over three years, BND compounded at +3.97% per year against +16.24% for VB; over five years the annualized figures are -0.25% and +8.18% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VB has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +0.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% compared with 4.6% for BND. 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 -19.6% for BND and -61.0% for VB. 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BND charges 0.03% per year while VB charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BND currently yields 3.94% against 1.48% for VB.
Holdings Overlap
BND and VB share 3 holdings out of 11899 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, BND or VB?
BND has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VB charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BND or VB?
Over the past year BND returned +2.01% vs +29.09% for VB, so VB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BND annualized +0.69% vs +8.86% for VB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BND or VB?
VB has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 4.6% for BND. Worst drawdown: BND -19.6% vs VB -61.0%.
Should I hold both BND and VB?
BND and VB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BND and VB?
BND and VB share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 11899 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BND or VB?
BND yields 3.94% while VB yields 1.48%, so BND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.