BND vs VBK
BND vs VBK
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF vs Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
BND has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. BND offers more diversification with 10790 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BND | VBK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $159.8B | $24.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.94% | 0.57% | |
| Holdings | 17,528 | 561 | |
| YTD Return | -0.26% | +17.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.01% | +29.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.97% | +16.91% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.25% | +5.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 19.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
BND vs VBK Performance
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BND returned +2.01% while VBK returned +29.45%. Year to date, BND is down 0.26% versus a gain of 17.71% for VBK.
Over three years, BND compounded at +3.97% per year against +16.91% for VBK; over five years the annualized figures are -0.25% and +5.29% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +0.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -59.4% for VBK. 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BND charges 0.03% per year while VBK charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BND currently yields 3.94% against 0.57% for VBK.
Holdings Overlap
BND and VBK share 1 holdings out of 11331 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BND | Weight in VBK | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUBB | 0.00% | 0.19% | 0.19% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BND or VBK?
BND has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VBK charges 0.05%. BND is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BND or VBK?
Over the past year BND returned +2.01% vs +29.45% for VBK, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BND annualized +0.69% vs +9.41% for VBK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BND or VBK?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 4.6% for BND. Worst drawdown: BND -19.6% vs VBK -59.4%.
Should I hold both BND and VBK?
BND and VBK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BND and VBK?
BND and VBK share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 11331 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BND or VBK?
BND yields 3.94% while VBK yields 0.57%, so BND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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