BND vs VUG
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. BND offers more diversification with 17,437 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BND | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $160.9B | $219.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.02% | 0.40% | |
| Holdings | 17,437 | 146 | |
| YTD Return | -0.04% | +9.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.81% | +14.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.14% | +23.42% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.32% | +12.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
BND vs VUG Performance
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BND returned +1.81% while VUG returned +14.99%. Year to date, BND is down 0.04% versus a gain of 9.51% for VUG.
Over three years, BND compounded at +4.14% per year against +23.42% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are -0.32% and +12.19% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.23% annualized vs +0.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -51.4% for VUG. 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BND charges 0.03% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BND currently yields 4.02% against 0.40% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
BND and VUG share 1 holdings out of 1327 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 VUG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE | 0.00% | 0.55% | 0.55% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BND or VUG?
BND has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VUG charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BND or VUG?
Over the past year BND returned +1.81% vs +14.99% for VUG, so VUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BND annualized +0.70% vs +11.23% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BND or VUG?
VUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 4.6% for BND. Worst drawdown: BND -19.6% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both BND and VUG?
BND and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BND and VUG?
BND and VUG share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1327 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BND or VUG?
BND yields 4.02% while VUG yields 0.40%, so BND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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