VEU vs VTBNX
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF vs Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund Institutional Shares
Quick Verdict
VTBNX has a lower expense ratio. VEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTBNX offers more diversification with 15,623 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEU | VTBNX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $68.4B | $207.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 3.79% | |
| Holdings | 3,928 | 15,623 | |
| YTD Return | +15.44% | -2.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.32% | -1.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.13% | +0.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.93% | -3.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 6.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -21.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2007 | Feb 17, 2009 |
VEU vs VTBNX Performance
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) 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 VEU returned +27.32% while VTBNX returned -1.68%. Year to date, VEU is up 15.44% versus a loss of 2.70% for VTBNX.
Over three years, VEU compounded at +21.13% per year against +0.65% for VTBNX; over five years the annualized figures are +9.93% and -3.62% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VEU has the edge at +3.59% annualized vs -3.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -62.8% for VEU 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEU charges 0.04% per year while VTBNX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $2 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEU currently yields 2.55% against 3.79% for VTBNX.
Holdings Overlap
VEU and VTBNX share 0 holdings out of 15549 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, VEU or VTBNX?
VEU has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VTBNX charges 0.02%. VTBNX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEU or VTBNX?
Over the past year VEU returned +27.32% vs -1.68% for VTBNX, so VEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VEU annualized +3.59% vs -3.62% for VTBNX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEU or VTBNX?
VEU has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 6.3% for VTBNX. Worst drawdown: VEU -62.8% vs VTBNX -21.5%.
Should I hold both VEU and VTBNX?
VEU and VTBNX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEU and VTBNX?
VEU and VTBNX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 15549 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEU or VTBNX?
VEU yields 2.55% while VTBNX yields 3.79%, so VTBNX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular Fund Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.