BNDX vs VBR
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF
Quick Verdict
VBR has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. BNDX offers more diversification with 1269 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VBR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $83.0B | $36.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.45% | 2.23% | |
| Holdings | 13,626 | 853 | |
| YTD Return | +0.54% | +18.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.08% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.24% | +16.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.04% | +9.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -64.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Jan 26, 2004 |
BNDX vs VBR Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.08% while VBR returned +23.85%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.54% versus a gain of 18.27% for VBR.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.24% per year against +16.25% for VBR; over five years the annualized figures are -0.04% and +9.89% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VBR has the edge at +8.04% annualized vs +1.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% compared with 4.1% for BNDX. 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 -17.2% for BNDX and -64.0% for VBR. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VBR charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDX currently yields 4.45% against 2.23% for VBR.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and VBR share 0 holdings out of 2078 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, BNDX or VBR?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VBR charges 0.05%. VBR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or VBR?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.08% vs +23.85% for VBR, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.09% vs +8.04% for VBR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VBR?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VBR -64.0%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VBR?
BNDX and VBR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and VBR?
BNDX and VBR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2078 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VBR?
BNDX yields 4.45% while VBR yields 2.23%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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