BNDX vs VXUS
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, BNDX or VXUS?
Long Term Mid Quality against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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 | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $82.7B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.58% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 6,859 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -0.90% | +14.48%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.73% | +22.28%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.70% | +20.00%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.20% | +8.91%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1%Best | 14.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,900 | $15,323Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Mid Quality | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
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 11, 2026 (13.3 years).
BNDX vs VXUS 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 covers the 13.3 years both funds cover.
BNDX vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned -0.73% while VXUS returned +22.28%. Year to date, BNDX is down 0.90% versus a gain of 14.48% for VXUS.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +3.70% per year against +20.00% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.20% and +8.91% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +5.87% annualized vs +0.98%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.41. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while VXUS 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 4.58% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 943 holdings in BNDX and 8,091 in VXUS, totalling 11.3% and 87.7% 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 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 6,859 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BNDX and VXUS 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 VXUS?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BNDX or VXUS?
Over the past year BNDX returned -0.73% vs +22.28% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +0.98% vs +5.87% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BNDX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BNDX and VXUS?
BNDX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, 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 VXUS?
BNDX yields 4.58% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than BNDX?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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.