BND vs VDIGX
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class
Quick Verdict
BND has a lower expense ratio. BND delivered stronger 1-year returns. BND offers more diversification with 10790 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BND | VDIGX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.22% | |
| AUM | $159.8B | $36.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.94% | 1.87% | |
| Holdings | 17,528 | 55 | |
| YTD Return | -0.61% | -0.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.81% | -8.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.14% | -3.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.29% | -2.92% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -32.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | May 15, 1992 |
BND vs VDIGX Performance
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class (VDIGX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BND returned +1.81% while VDIGX returned -8.99%. Year to date, BND is down 0.61% versus a loss of 0.21% for VDIGX.
Over three years, BND compounded at +4.14% per year against -3.09% for VDIGX; over five years the annualized figures are -0.29% and -2.92% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BND has the edge at +0.67% annualized vs -2.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VDIGX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -32.6% for VDIGX. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BND charges 0.03% per year while VDIGX charges 0.22%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $22 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BND currently yields 3.94% against 1.87% for VDIGX.
Holdings Overlap
BND and VDIGX share 0 holdings out of 10837 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 VDIGX?
BND has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VDIGX charges 0.22%. BND is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BND or VDIGX?
Over the past year BND returned +1.81% vs -8.99% for VDIGX, so BND leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BND annualized +0.67% vs -2.92% for VDIGX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BND or VDIGX?
VDIGX has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 4.6% for BND. Worst drawdown: BND -19.6% vs VDIGX -32.6%.
Should I hold both BND and VDIGX?
BND and VDIGX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BND and VDIGX?
BND and VDIGX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 10837 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BND or VDIGX?
BND yields 3.94% while VDIGX yields 1.87%, so BND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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