BNDX vs VEA
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF
Which is better, BNDX or VEA?
Long Term Mid Quality against Large Cap Blend.
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VEA |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $82.7B | $230.3B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.58% | 2.49% |
| Holdings | 6,859 | 3,886 |
| YTD Return | -0.43% | +15.20%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.02% | +23.46%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.94% | +21.11%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.08% | +10.30%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1%Best | 14.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,960 | $16,326Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Mid Quality | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Jul 20, 2007 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 4, 2013 to Sep 21, 2026 (13.3 years).
BNDX vs VEA growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 13.3 years both funds cover.
BNDX vs VEA Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned -0.02% while VEA returned +23.46%. Year to date, BNDX is down 0.43% versus a gain of 15.20% for VEA.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +3.94% per year against +21.11% for VEA; over five years the annualized figures are -0.08% and +10.30% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VEA has the edge at +6.39% annualized vs +1.01%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -39.9% for VEA. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.42. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VEA 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 4.58% against 2.49% for VEA.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 943 holdings in BNDX and 3,754 in VEA, totalling 11.3% and 94.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 943 positions we hold weights for in BNDX and 3,754 in VEA, against full books of 6,859 and 3,886.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BNDX and VEA you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BNDX or VEA?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VEA charges 0.03%. VEA is the cheaper option, by $4 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BNDX or VEA?
Over the past year BNDX returned -0.02% vs +23.46% for VEA, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.01% vs +6.39% for VEA. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VEA?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VEA -39.9%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VEA?
BNDX and VEA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VEA?
BNDX yields 4.58% while VEA yields 2.49%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VEA better than BNDX?
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.