BND vs VOT
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
BND has a lower expense ratio. VOT delivered stronger 1-year returns. BND offers more diversification with 10790 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BND | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $159.8B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.94% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 17,528 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | -0.61% | +8.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.81% | +8.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.14% | +15.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.29% | +5.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Aug 17, 2006 |
BND vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BND returned +1.81% while VOT returned +8.14%. Year to date, BND is down 0.61% versus a gain of 8.89% for VOT.
Over three years, BND compounded at +4.14% per year against +15.33% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are -0.29% and +5.51% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.60% annualized vs +0.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BND charges 0.03% per year while VOT 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 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
BND and VOT share 1 holdings out of 10910 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 VOT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUBB | 0.00% | 0.15% | 0.15% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BND or VOT?
BND has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOT 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 VOT?
Over the past year BND returned +1.81% vs +8.14% for VOT, so VOT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BND annualized +0.67% vs +9.60% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BND or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 4.6% for BND. Worst drawdown: BND -19.6% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both BND and VOT?
BND and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BND and VOT?
BND and VOT share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 10910 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BND or VOT?
BND yields 3.94% while VOT yields 0.65%, so BND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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