VGK vs VTBNX
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF vs Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund Institutional Shares
Quick Verdict
VTBNX has a lower expense ratio. VGK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTBNX offers more diversification with 15,623 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGK | VTBNX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $30.5B | $207.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.82% | 3.79% | |
| Holdings | 1,251 | 15,623 | |
| YTD Return | +11.66% | -2.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.09% | -1.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.39% | +0.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.54% | -3.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 6.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -21.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 4, 2005 | Feb 17, 2009 |
VGK vs VTBNX Performance
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) 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 VGK returned +21.09% while VTBNX returned -1.68%. Year to date, VGK is up 11.66% versus a loss of 2.70% for VTBNX.
Over three years, VGK compounded at +19.39% per year against +0.65% for VTBNX; over five years the annualized figures are +9.54% and -3.62% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VGK has the edge at +3.71% annualized vs -3.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -67.3% for VGK 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGK charges 0.06% per year while VTBNX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $2 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGK currently yields 2.82% against 3.79% for VTBNX.
Holdings Overlap
VGK and VTBNX share 0 holdings out of 13905 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, VGK or VTBNX?
VGK has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VTBNX charges 0.02%. VTBNX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGK or VTBNX?
Over the past year VGK returned +21.09% vs -1.68% for VTBNX, so VGK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGK annualized +3.71% vs -3.62% for VTBNX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGK or VTBNX?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 6.3% for VTBNX. Worst drawdown: VGK -67.3% vs VTBNX -21.5%.
Should I hold both VGK and VTBNX?
VGK and VTBNX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGK and VTBNX?
VGK and VTBNX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 13905 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGK or VTBNX?
VGK yields 2.82% while VTBNX yields 3.79%, so VTBNX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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