BNDP vs. CPLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BNDP (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF) and CPLS (AB Core Plus Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. BNDP is passively managed, while CPLS is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BNDP charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.33%/yr for CPLS.

Performance

BNDP vs. CPLS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BNDP achieves a 0.34% return, which is significantly lower than CPLS's 0.36% return.

BNDP

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

CPLS

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 0.36%
• 6M: 0.14%
• 1Y: 5.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BNDP vs. CPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	0.34%	0.10%
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF	0.36%	-0.03%

Correlation

The correlation between BNDP and CPLS is 0.95, 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	0.95

Return for Risk

BNDP vs. CPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPLS

CPLS Risk / Return Rank: 40
CPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
CPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
CPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 37
CPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
CPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

BNDP vs. CPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF (BNDP) and AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS). 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

	BNDP	CPLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.35	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.85	-0.61

Drawdowns

BNDP vs. CPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNDP drawdown since its inception was -2.60%, smaller than the maximum CPLS drawdown of -4.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNDP and CPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNDP	CPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.60%	-4.43%	+1.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.31%	-1.20%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.86%	-1.24%	+0.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.79%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BNDP	CPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.38%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.86%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.63%	3.87%	-0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.63%	4.82%	-1.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.63%	4.82%	-1.19%

BNDP vs. CPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BNDP has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than CPLS's 0.33% expense ratio.

Dividends

BNDP vs. CPLS - Dividend Comparison

BNDP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.08%, less than CPLS's 4.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	2.08%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF	4.62%	4.66%	4.71%	0.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNDP and CPLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, BNDP and CPLS 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, BNDP or CPLS?

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, BNDP or CPLS?

BNDP is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for CPLS.

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

CPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.62%, compared with 2.08% for BNDP.

What is the main difference between BNDP and CPLS?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for BNDP and 0.33% for CPLS.