BNDX vs VO
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VO has a lower expense ratio. VO delivered stronger 1-year returns. BNDX offers more diversification with 1269 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $83.0B | $105.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.45% | 1.53% | |
| Holdings | 13,626 | 293 | |
| YTD Return | +0.35% | +14.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.09% | +19.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.19% | +16.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.06% | +8.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Jan 26, 2004 |
BNDX vs VO Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.09% while VO returned +19.39%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.35% versus a gain of 14.37% for VO.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.19% per year against +16.44% for VO; over five years the annualized figures are -0.06% and +8.03% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.23% annualized vs +1.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -60.3% for VO. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VO 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 4.45% against 1.53% for VO.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and VO share 0 holdings out of 1548 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 VO?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VO charges 0.03%. VO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or VO?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.09% vs +19.39% for VO, so VO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.08% vs +9.23% for VO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VO?
VO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VO -60.3%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VO?
BNDX and VO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and VO?
BNDX and VO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1548 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VO?
BNDX yields 4.45% while VO yields 1.53%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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