BND vs VXF
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
BND has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. BND offers more diversification with 10790 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BND | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $159.8B | $31.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.94% | 1.21% | |
| Holdings | 17,528 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | -0.53% | +17.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.89% | +27.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.22% | +19.37% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.29% | +6.93% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Dec 27, 2001 |
BND vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BND returned +1.89% while VXF returned +27.53%. Year to date, BND is down 0.53% versus a gain of 17.47% for VXF.
Over three years, BND compounded at +4.22% per year against +19.37% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are -0.29% and +6.93% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.08% annualized vs +0.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 VXF. 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BND charges 0.03% per year while VXF 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 1.21% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BND or VXF?
BND has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXF 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 VXF?
Over the past year BND returned +1.89% vs +27.53% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BND annualized +0.67% vs +9.08% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BND or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 4.6% for BND. Worst drawdown: BND -19.6% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both BND and VXF?
BND and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BND and VXF?
BND and VXF share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 13250 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BND or VXF?
BND yields 3.94% while VXF yields 1.21%, so BND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.