BNDX vs VXF
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VXF has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. BNDX offers more diversification with 6,859 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $82.7B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.53% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 6,859 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | +0.24% | +15.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.06% | +23.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.30% | +19.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +7.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Dec 27, 2001 |
BNDX vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.06% while VXF returned +23.93%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.24% versus a gain of 15.71% for VXF.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.30% per year against +19.90% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +7.18% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.01% annualized vs +1.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VXF charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDX currently yields 4.53% against 1.03% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and VXF share 1 holdings out of 3295 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BNDX | Weight in VXF | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKL | 1.36% | 0.28% | 1.08% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BNDX or VXF?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VXF charges 0.05%. VXF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or VXF?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.06% vs +23.93% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.07% vs +9.01% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VXF?
BNDX and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and VXF?
BNDX and VXF share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3295 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or VXF?
BNDX yields 4.53% while VXF yields 1.03%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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