BNDX vs XLE
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
BNDX has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. BNDX offers more diversification with 1269 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $83.0B | $38.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.45% | 2.85% | |
| Holdings | 13,626 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | +0.35% | +35.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.22% | +48.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.18% | +14.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.06% | +23.97% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Dec 16, 1998 |
BNDX vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year BNDX returned +1.22% while XLE returned +48.67%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.35% versus a gain of 35.54% for XLE.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.18% per year against +14.52% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are -0.06% and +23.97% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, XLE has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs +1.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.1% 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 -76.7% for XLE. 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 0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while XLE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $8 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDX currently yields 4.45% against 2.85% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and XLE share 0 holdings out of 1291 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 XLE?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while XLE charges 0.08%. BNDX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or XLE?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.22% vs +48.67% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.08% vs +6.96% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both BNDX and XLE?
BNDX and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and XLE?
BNDX and XLE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1291 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or XLE?
BNDX yields 4.45% while XLE yields 2.85%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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