BCKT vs. VGLT

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BCKT (LifeX 2030 Income Bucket ETF) and VGLT (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds. BCKT is actively managed, while VGLT is passively managed. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BCKT charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VGLT.

Performance

BCKT vs. VGLT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in LifeX 2030 Income Bucket ETF (BCKT) and Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BCKT achieves a 0.36% return, which is significantly higher than VGLT's -0.17% return.

BCKT

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 0.36%
• 6M: 0.65%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGLT

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: -0.17%
• 6M: -0.96%
• 1Y: 3.91%
• 3Y*: -0.59%
• 5Y*: -5.26%
• 10Y*: -1.06%

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

BCKT vs. VGLT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BCKT LifeX 2030 Income Bucket ETF	0.36%	1.09%
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF	-0.17%	-0.07%

Correlation

The correlation between BCKT and VGLT is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2025	0.72

Return for Risk

BCKT vs. VGLT — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGLT

VGLT Risk / Return Rank: 16
VGLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
VGLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
VGLT Omega Ratio Rank: 15
VGLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
VGLT Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

BCKT vs. VGLT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for LifeX 2030 Income Bucket ETF (BCKT) and Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BCKT	VGLT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	-0.08	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.39	0.19	+1.21

Drawdowns

BCKT vs. VGLT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BCKT drawdown since its inception was -1.00%, smaller than the maximum VGLT drawdown of -46.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BCKT and VGLT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BCKT	VGLT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.00%	-46.18%	+45.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.01%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.68%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-40.98%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.53%	-36.68%	+36.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.26%	-15.06%	+14.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.69%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BCKT	VGLT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.56%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.95%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.53%	8.88%	-7.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.53%	14.57%	-13.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.53%	13.81%	-12.28%

BCKT vs. VGLT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BCKT has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VGLT's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BCKT vs. VGLT - Dividend Comparison

BCKT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.95%, more than VGLT's 4.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BCKT LifeX 2030 Income Bucket ETF	17.95%	5.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF	4.60%	4.44%	4.33%	3.33%	2.84%	1.82%	2.15%	2.46%	2.71%	2.55%	2.69%	3.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BCKT and VGLT in my portfolio?

BCKT and VGLT have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BCKT or VGLT?

On fees, VGLT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BCKT or VGLT?

VGLT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for BCKT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BCKT or VGLT?

BCKT has the higher dividend yield at 17.95%, compared with 4.60% for VGLT.

What is the main difference between BCKT and VGLT?

They also come from different issuers: Stone Ridge and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for BCKT and 0.03% for VGLT.