BOND vs VTI
PIMCO Active Bond Exchange-Traded Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BOND | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.23% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,944 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.20% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.57% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.67% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.07% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 29, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
BOND vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Active Bond Exchange-Traded Fund (BOND) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BOND returned +3.57% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, BOND is up 0.20% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, BOND compounded at +5.67% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.07% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +0.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.0% for BOND. 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 -19.7% for BOND and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOND charges 0.54% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $3 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOND currently yields 5.23% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BOND and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3557 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, BOND or VTI?
BOND has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOND or VTI?
Over the past year BOND returned +3.57% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BOND annualized +0.89% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOND or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.0% for BOND. Worst drawdown: BOND -19.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BOND and VTI?
BOND and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BOND and VTI?
BOND and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOND or VTI?
BOND yields 5.23% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BOND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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