BNDX vs XLV
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
BNDX has a lower expense ratio. XLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BNDX offers more diversification with 6,859 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | XLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $82.7B | $43.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.53% | 1.56% | |
| Holdings | 6,859 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +0.24% | +11.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.06% | +27.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.30% | +10.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +6.55% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Dec 16, 1998 |
BNDX vs XLV Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year BNDX returned +1.06% while XLV returned +27.56%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.24% versus a gain of 11.80% for XLV.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.30% per year against +10.70% for XLV; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +6.55% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, XLV has the edge at +7.57% annualized vs +1.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLV 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 -40.6% for XLV. 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while XLV 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 4.53% against 1.56% for XLV.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and XLV share 0 holdings out of 62 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 XLV?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while XLV 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 XLV?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.06% vs +27.56% for XLV, so XLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.07% vs +7.57% for XLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or XLV?
XLV has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 4.1% for BNDX. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs XLV -40.6%.
Should I hold both BNDX and XLV?
BNDX and XLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and XLV?
BNDX and XLV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 62 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or XLV?
BNDX yields 4.53% while XLV yields 1.56%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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