BNDX vs VDIGX
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class
Quick Verdict
BNDX has a lower expense ratio. BNDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. BNDX offers more diversification with 1269 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VDIGX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.22% | |
| AUM | $83.0B | $36.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.45% | 1.87% | |
| Holdings | 13,626 | 55 | |
| YTD Return | +0.35% | -0.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.09% | -8.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.19% | -3.11% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.06% | -2.91% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -32.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | May 15, 1992 |
BNDX vs VDIGX Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class (VDIGX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.09% while VDIGX returned -8.96%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.35% versus a loss of 0.12% for VDIGX.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.19% per year against -3.11% for VDIGX; over five years the annualized figures are -0.06% and -2.91% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BNDX has the edge at +1.08% annualized vs -2.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VDIGX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -32.6% for VDIGX. 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VDIGX charges 0.22%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $22 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDX currently yields 4.45% against 1.87% for VDIGX.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and VDIGX share 0 holdings out of 1316 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 VDIGX?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VDIGX charges 0.22%. BNDX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or VDIGX?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.09% vs -8.96% for VDIGX, so BNDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BNDX annualized +1.08% vs -2.91% for VDIGX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VDIGX?
VDIGX has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VDIGX -32.6%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VDIGX?
BNDX and VDIGX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and VDIGX?
BNDX and VDIGX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1316 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VDIGX?
BNDX yields 4.45% while VDIGX yields 1.87%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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