BND vs VIITX
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF vs Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class
Quick Verdict
VIITX has a lower expense ratio. BND delivered stronger 1-year returns. BND offers more diversification with 17,437 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BND | VIITX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $160.9B | - | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.02% | 4.59% | |
| Holdings | 17,437 | 2,599 | |
| YTD Return | -0.41% | -2.03% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.77% | -1.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.33% | +0.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.37% | -2.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 4.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -15.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Dec 1, 1997 |
BND vs VIITX Performance
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class (VIITX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BND returned +1.77% while VIITX returned -1.53%. Year to date, BND is down 0.41% versus a loss of 2.03% for VIITX.
Over three years, BND compounded at +4.33% per year against +0.51% for VIITX; over five years the annualized figures are -0.37% and -2.34% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BND has the edge at +0.68% annualized vs -2.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.6% compared with 4.2% for VIITX. 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 -15.0% for VIITX. 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BND charges 0.03% per year while VIITX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $2 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BND currently yields 4.02% against 4.59% for VIITX.
Holdings Overlap
BND and VIITX share 100 holdings out of 2367 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BND | Weight in VIITX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| T 2.75 08/15/32 | 0.32% | 0.27% | 0.05% |
| PNC V5.582 06/12/29 | 0.01% | 0.20% | 0.19% |
| PM 5.125 11/17/27 | 0.01% | 0.19% | 0.18% |
| JPM V5.299 07/24/29 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BPLN 4.812 02/13/33 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR 5 09/15/34 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PNC 2.55 01/22/30 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PM 5.25 02/13/34 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM V2.069 06/01/29 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BPLN 5.227 11/17/34 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BND or VIITX?
BND has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VIITX charges 0.02%. VIITX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BND or VIITX?
Over the past year BND returned +1.77% vs -1.53% for VIITX, so BND leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BND annualized +0.68% vs -2.34% for VIITX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BND or VIITX?
BND has been the more volatile fund at 4.6% annualized versus 4.2% for VIITX. Worst drawdown: BND -19.6% vs VIITX -15.0%.
Should I hold both BND and VIITX?
BND and VIITX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BND and VIITX?
BND and VIITX share 100 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2367 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BND or VIITX?
BND yields 4.02% while VIITX yields 4.59%, so VIITX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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