BNDX vs VIITX
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class
Quick Verdict
VIITX has a lower expense ratio. BNDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. BNDX offers more diversification with 1269 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VIITX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $83.0B | - | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.45% | 4.56% | |
| Holdings | 13,626 | 2,599 | |
| YTD Return | +0.54% | -1.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.08% | -1.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.24% | +0.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.04% | -2.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 4.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -15.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Dec 1, 1997 |
BNDX vs VIITX Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class (VIITX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.08% while VIITX returned -1.39%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.54% versus a loss of 1.94% for VIITX.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.24% per year against +0.57% for VIITX; over five years the annualized figures are -0.04% and -2.33% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BNDX has the edge at +1.09% annualized vs -2.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIITX 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 -15.0% for VIITX. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VIITX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $2 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDX currently yields 4.45% against 4.56% for VIITX.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and VIITX share 0 holdings out of 2454 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 VIITX?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VIITX charges 0.02%. VIITX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or VIITX?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.08% vs -1.39% for VIITX, so BNDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BNDX annualized +1.09% vs -2.33% for VIITX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VIITX?
VIITX has been the more volatile fund at 4.2% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VIITX -15.0%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VIITX?
BNDX and VIITX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and VIITX?
BNDX and VIITX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2454 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VIITX?
BNDX yields 4.45% while VIITX yields 4.56%, so VIITX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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