BNDX vs VT
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Which is better, BNDX or VT?
Long Term Mid Quality against Large Cap Blend.
VT has a lower expense ratio. VT led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $82.7B | $97.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.58% | 1.55% |
| Holdings | 6,859 | 10,133 |
| YTD Return | -0.77% | +12.24%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.36% | +17.11%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.86% | +20.23%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.16% | +11.20%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1%Best | 14.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2%Best | -34.5% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,920 | $17,003Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Mid Quality | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Jun 24, 2008 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 4, 2013 to Sep 18, 2026 (13.3 years).
BNDX vs VT growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
BNDX vs VT Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned -0.36% while VT returned +17.11%. Year to date, BNDX is down 0.77% versus a gain of 12.24% for VT.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +3.86% per year against +20.23% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are -0.16% and +11.20% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VT has the edge at +9.40% annualized vs +0.98%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% 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 -34.5% for VT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.44. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VT 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 4.58% against 1.55% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 943 holdings in BNDX and 9,272 in VT, totalling 11.3% and 90.1% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 943 positions we hold weights for in BNDX and 9,272 in VT, against full books of 6,859 and 10,133.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BNDX and VT you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BNDX or VT?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VT charges 0.06%. VT is the cheaper option, by $1 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BNDX or VT?
Over the past year BNDX returned -0.36% vs +17.11% for VT, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +0.98% vs +9.40% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VT?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VT -34.5%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VT?
BNDX and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VT?
BNDX yields 4.58% while VT yields 1.55%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VT better than BNDX?
VT has a lower expense ratio. VT led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.