BKFI vs. VTG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BKFI (BNY Mellon Active Core Bond ETF) and VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. BKFI is actively managed, while VTG is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BKFI charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTG.

Performance

BKFI vs. VTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon Active Core Bond ETF (BKFI) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BKFI

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTG

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 0.01%
• 6M: 0.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BKFI vs. VTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BKFI BNY Mellon Active Core Bond ETF	-0.02%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.05%

Correlation

The correlation between BKFI and VTG is 0.88, 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 Jan 13, 2026	0.88

Return for Risk

BKFI vs. VTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon Active Core Bond ETF (BKFI) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). 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

	BKFI	VTG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.01	0.91	-0.93

Drawdowns

BKFI vs. VTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKFI drawdown since its inception was -3.08%, which is greater than VTG's maximum drawdown of -2.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKFI and VTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKFI	VTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.08%	-2.89%	-0.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.63%	-1.78%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.20%	-0.74%	-0.46%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BKFI	VTG	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.13%	3.51%	+0.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.13%	3.51%	+0.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.13%	3.51%	+0.62%

BKFI vs. VTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKFI has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VTG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

BKFI vs. VTG - Dividend Comparison

BKFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%, less than VTG's 3.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BKFI BNY Mellon Active Core Bond ETF	1.77%	0.00%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.20%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKFI and VTG in my portfolio?

BKFI and VTG have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BKFI or VTG?

On fees, VTG 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, BKFI or VTG?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for BKFI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BKFI or VTG?

VTG has the higher dividend yield at 3.20%, compared with 1.77% for BKFI.

What is the main difference between BKFI and VTG?

They also come from different issuers: BNY Mellon and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for BKFI and 0.03% for VTG.