BNDX vs VNQ
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Real Estate ETF
Quick Verdict
BNDX has a lower expense ratio. VNQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. BNDX offers more diversification with 6,859 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VNQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.13% | |
| AUM | $82.7B | $39.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.53% | 3.49% | |
| Holdings | 6,859 | 144 | |
| YTD Return | +0.24% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.06% | +12.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.30% | +11.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +2.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -75.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Sep 23, 2004 |
BNDX vs VNQ Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.06% while VNQ returned +12.92%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.24% versus a gain of 13.57% for VNQ.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.30% per year against +11.70% for VNQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +2.31% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VNQ has the edge at +4.14% annualized vs +1.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VNQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -75.8% for VNQ. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VNQ charges 0.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $13 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDX currently yields 4.53% against 3.49% for VNQ.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and VNQ share 0 holdings out of 146 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 VNQ?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VNQ charges 0.13%. BNDX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or VNQ?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.06% vs +12.92% for VNQ, so VNQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.07% vs +4.14% for VNQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VNQ?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VNQ -75.8%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VNQ?
BNDX and VNQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and VNQ?
BNDX and VNQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 146 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VNQ?
BNDX yields 4.53% while VNQ yields 3.49%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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