BNDX vs VGIT
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Which is better, BNDX or VGIT?
BNDX has been ahead.
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. BNDX 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 | VGIT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $82.7B | $50.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.58% | 3.90% |
| Holdings | 6,859 | 106 |
| YTD Return | -0.64%Best | -1.68% |
| 1Y Return | -0.37%Best | -0.98% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.84%Best | +3.67% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.08%Best | -0.30% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1%Best | 4.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2%Tie | -17.2%Tie |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,960Best | $9,851 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Long Term Mid Quality | - |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Nov 19, 2009 |
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 17, 2026 (13.3 years).
BNDX vs VGIT 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 VGIT Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned -0.37% while VGIT returned -0.98%. Year to date, BNDX is down 0.64% versus a loss of 1.68% for VGIT.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +3.84% per year against +3.67% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are -0.08% and -0.30% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, BNDX has the edge at +0.99% annualized vs +0.31%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.2% 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 -17.2% for VGIT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VGIT 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 3.90% for VGIT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BNDX and VGIT 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 VGIT?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VGIT charges 0.03%. VGIT is the cheaper option, by $4 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BNDX or VGIT?
Over the past year BNDX returned -0.37% vs -0.98% for VGIT, so BNDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +0.99% vs +0.31% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VGIT?
VGIT has been the more volatile fund at 4.2% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VGIT -17.2%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VGIT?
BNDX and VGIT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, 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 VGIT?
BNDX yields 4.58% while VGIT yields 3.90%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VGIT better than BNDX?
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. BNDX 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.