BNDX vs VCIT
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VCIT has a lower expense ratio. VCIT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCIT offers more diversification with 2019 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VCIT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $83.0B | $67.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.45% | 4.77% | |
| Holdings | 13,626 | 2,253 | |
| YTD Return | +0.29% | -0.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.03% | +2.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.09% | +5.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.07% | +0.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -20.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Nov 19, 2009 |
BNDX vs VCIT Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.03% while VCIT returned +2.08%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.29% versus a loss of 0.86% for VCIT.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.09% per year against +5.97% for VCIT; over five years the annualized figures are -0.07% and +0.79% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VCIT has the edge at +1.72% annualized vs +1.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VCIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.0% 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 -20.7% for VCIT. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VCIT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDX currently yields 4.45% against 4.77% for VCIT.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and VCIT share 0 holdings out of 3288 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 VCIT?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VCIT charges 0.03%. VCIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or VCIT?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.03% vs +2.08% for VCIT, so VCIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.07% vs +1.72% for VCIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VCIT?
VCIT has been the more volatile fund at 6.0% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VCIT -20.7%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VCIT?
BNDX and VCIT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and VCIT?
BNDX and VCIT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3288 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VCIT?
BNDX yields 4.45% while VCIT yields 4.77%, so VCIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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