BNDX vs VGK
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF
Quick Verdict
VGK has a lower expense ratio. VGK delivered stronger 1-year returns. BNDX offers more diversification with 13,626 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VGK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $83.0B | $30.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.45% | 2.94% | |
| Holdings | 13,626 | 1,251 | |
| YTD Return | +0.54% | +11.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.08% | +21.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.24% | +18.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.04% | +9.15% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -67.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Mar 4, 2005 |
BNDX vs VGK Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.08% while VGK returned +21.15%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.54% versus a gain of 11.25% for VGK.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.24% per year against +18.16% for VGK; over five years the annualized figures are -0.04% and +9.15% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VGK has the edge at +3.69% annualized vs +1.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -67.3% for VGK. 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VGK charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $6 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDX currently yields 4.45% against 2.94% for VGK.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and VGK share 0 holdings out of 2227 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 VGK?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VGK charges 0.06%. VGK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or VGK?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.08% vs +21.15% for VGK, so VGK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.09% vs +3.69% for VGK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VGK?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VGK -67.3%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VGK?
BNDX and VGK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and VGK?
BNDX and VGK share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2227 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VGK?
BNDX yields 4.45% while VGK yields 2.94%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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