BND vs XLK
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF vs State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
BND has a lower expense ratio. XLK delivered stronger 1-year returns. BND offers more diversification with 17,437 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BND | XLK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $160.9B | $124.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.02% | 0.45% | |
| Holdings | 17,437 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | +0.00% | +27.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.32% | +41.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.70% | +30.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.30% | +19.55% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 23.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -82.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Dec 16, 1998 |
BND vs XLK Performance
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year BND returned +2.32% while XLK returned +41.67%. Year to date, BND is up 0.00% versus a gain of 27.20% for XLK.
Over three years, BND compounded at +4.70% per year against +30.51% for XLK; over five years the annualized figures are -0.30% and +19.55% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, XLK has the edge at +9.37% annualized vs +0.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.2% 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 -82.0% for XLK. 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BND charges 0.03% per year while XLK charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $8 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BND currently yields 4.02% against 0.45% for XLK.
Holdings Overlap
BND and XLK share 0 holdings out of 1257 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 XLK?
BND has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLK charges 0.08%. BND is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BND or XLK?
Over the past year BND returned +2.32% vs +41.67% for XLK, so XLK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BND annualized +0.70% vs +9.37% for XLK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BND or XLK?
XLK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 4.6% for BND. Worst drawdown: BND -19.6% vs XLK -82.0%.
Should I hold both BND and XLK?
BND and XLK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BND and XLK?
BND and XLK share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1257 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BND or XLK?
BND yields 4.02% while XLK yields 0.45%, so BND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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