BNDX vs VGHAX
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares
Quick Verdict
BNDX has a lower expense ratio. VGHAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. BNDX offers more diversification with 6,859 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VGHAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.27% | |
| AUM | $82.7B | $32.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.53% | 6.45% | |
| Holdings | 6,859 | 109 | |
| YTD Return | +0.24% | +7.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.06% | +24.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.30% | +1.32% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | -2.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 15.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -33.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Nov 12, 2001 |
BNDX vs VGHAX Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Health Care Fund Admiral Shares (VGHAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.06% while VGHAX returned +24.36%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.24% versus a gain of 7.13% for VGHAX.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.30% per year against +1.32% for VGHAX; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and -2.07% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BNDX has the edge at +1.07% annualized vs -2.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -33.6% for VGHAX. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VGHAX charges 0.27%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $27 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDX currently yields 4.53% against 6.45% for VGHAX.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and VGHAX share 0 holdings out of 88 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 VGHAX?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VGHAX charges 0.27%. BNDX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or VGHAX?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.06% vs +24.36% for VGHAX, so VGHAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BNDX annualized +1.07% vs -2.07% for VGHAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VGHAX?
VGHAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VGHAX -33.6%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VGHAX?
BNDX and VGHAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and VGHAX?
BNDX and VGHAX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 88 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VGHAX?
BNDX yields 4.53% while VGHAX yields 6.45%, so VGHAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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