BNDP vs. CPLS

Last updated Jun 24, 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. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. 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 0.52% return, which is significantly lower than CPLS's 0.57% return.

BNDP

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: 0.52%
• 6M: 0.65%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CPLS

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 0.57%
• 6M: 0.63%
• 1Y: 4.31%
• 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	0.52%	0.08%
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF	0.57%	-0.22%

Correlation

The correlation between BNDP and CPLS is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 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.

BNDP

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

CPLS

CPLS Risk / Return Rank: 35
CPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
CPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 31
CPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
CPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BNDP	CPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.12	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.69	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.20	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.75	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	5.23	—

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	-1.13%	-0.99%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-1.23%	+0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.83%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BNDP	CPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.09%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.95%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.70%	3.87%	-0.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.70%	4.84%	-1.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.70%	4.84%	-1.14%

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 2.07%, less than CPLS's 4.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	2.07%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%
CPLS AB Core Plus Bond ETF	4.61%	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 4.61%, compared with 2.07% 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.