APLU vs. BNDP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

APLU (Allspring Core Plus ETF) and BNDP (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. APLU is actively managed, while BNDP is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. APLU charges 0.31%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for BNDP.

Performance

APLU vs. BNDP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF (BNDP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with APLU having a 0.35% return and BNDP slightly lower at 0.34%.

APLU

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 0.35%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 5.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BNDP

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 0.34%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

APLU vs. BNDP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
APLU Allspring Core Plus ETF	0.35%	0.31%
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	0.34%	0.10%

Correlation

The correlation between APLU and BNDP is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 5, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

APLU vs. BNDP — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

APLU

APLU Risk / Return Rank: 40
APLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
APLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
APLU Omega Ratio Rank: 40
APLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
APLU Martin Ratio Rank: 40

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

APLU vs. BNDP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF (BNDP). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	APLU	BNDP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.22	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	APLU	BNDP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.40	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.25	+0.51

Drawdowns

APLU vs. BNDP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum APLU drawdown since its inception was -3.24%, which is greater than BNDP's maximum drawdown of -2.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for APLU and BNDP.

Drawdown Indicators

	APLU	BNDP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.24%	-2.60%	-0.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.84%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-1.31%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-0.86%	-0.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	APLU	BNDP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.44%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.82%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.05%	3.63%	+0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.06%	3.63%	+1.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.06%	3.63%	+1.43%

APLU vs. BNDP - Expense Ratio Comparison

APLU has a 0.31% expense ratio, which is higher than BNDP's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

APLU vs. BNDP - Dividend Comparison

APLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.43%, more than BNDP's 2.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
APLU Allspring Core Plus ETF	5.43%	5.13%	0.44%
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	2.08%	0.24%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both APLU and BNDP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, APLU and BNDP move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, APLU or BNDP?

On fees, BNDP is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, APLU or BNDP?

BNDP is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.31% for APLU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, APLU or BNDP?

APLU has the higher dividend yield at 5.43%, compared with 2.08% for BNDP.

What is the main difference between APLU and BNDP?

They also come from different issuers: Allspring and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.31% for APLU and 0.05% for BNDP.