BNDX vs VGIT
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. BNDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. BNDX offers more diversification with 6,859 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VGIT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $82.7B | $42.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.53% | 3.88% | |
| Holdings | 6,859 | 209 | |
| YTD Return | +0.35% | -0.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.23% | +1.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.02% | +4.11% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.03% | -0.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 4.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -17.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Nov 19, 2009 |
BNDX vs VGIT Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.23% while VGIT returned +1.22%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.35% versus a loss of 0.22% for VGIT.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.02% per year against +4.11% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are -0.03% and -0.07% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, BNDX has the edge at +1.07% annualized vs +0.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.3% 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
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 4.53% against 3.88% for VGIT.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and VGIT share 0 holdings out of 86 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 VGIT?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VGIT charges 0.03%. VGIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or VGIT?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.23% vs +1.22% for VGIT, so BNDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.07% vs +0.78% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VGIT?
VGIT has been the more volatile fund at 4.3% 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and VGIT?
BNDX and VGIT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 86 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VGIT?
BNDX yields 4.53% while VGIT yields 3.88%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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