VEA vs VTBNX
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF vs Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund Institutional Shares
Quick Verdict
VTBNX has a lower expense ratio. VEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTBNX offers more diversification with 15,623 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEA | VTBNX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $230.3B | $207.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 3.79% | |
| Holdings | 3,918 | 15,623 | |
| YTD Return | +16.98% | -2.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.89% | -1.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +0.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.55% | -3.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 6.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -21.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2007 | Feb 17, 2009 |
VEA vs VTBNX Performance
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTBNX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEA returned +28.89% while VTBNX returned -1.68%. Year to date, VEA is up 16.98% versus a loss of 2.49% for VTBNX.
Over three years, VEA compounded at +21.77% per year against +0.72% for VTBNX; over five years the annualized figures are +10.55% and -3.58% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VEA has the edge at +3.17% annualized vs -3.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 6.3% for VTBNX. 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 -62.9% for VEA and -21.5% for VTBNX. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEA charges 0.03% per year while VTBNX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $2 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEA currently yields 2.55% against 3.79% for VTBNX.
Holdings Overlap
VEA and VTBNX share 1 holdings out of 16471 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VEA | Weight in VTBNX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUMIBK 2.93 09/17/41 | 0.43% | 0.00% | 0.43% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEA or VTBNX?
VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTBNX charges 0.02%. VTBNX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEA or VTBNX?
Over the past year VEA returned +28.89% vs -1.68% for VTBNX, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VEA annualized +3.17% vs -3.58% for VTBNX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEA or VTBNX?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 6.3% for VTBNX. Worst drawdown: VEA -62.9% vs VTBNX -21.5%.
Should I hold both VEA and VTBNX?
VEA and VTBNX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEA and VTBNX?
VEA and VTBNX share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 16471 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEA or VTBNX?
VEA yields 2.55% while VTBNX yields 3.79%, so VTBNX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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