BNDP vs. VPLS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BNDP (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF) and VPLS (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds from Vanguard. BNDP is passively managed, while VPLS is actively managed. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BNDP charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for VPLS.

Performance

BNDP vs. VPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF (BNDP) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). 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 VPLS's 0.64% return.

BNDP

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

VPLS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 0.64%
• 6M: 0.57%
• 1Y: 5.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BNDP vs. VPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	0.34%	0.10%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	0.64%	0.08%

Correlation

The correlation between BNDP and VPLS is 0.98 - 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 5, 2025	0.98

Return for Risk

BNDP vs. VPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPLS

VPLS Risk / Return Rank: 45
VPLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
VPLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VPLS Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VPLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VPLS Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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. VPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF (BNDP) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS). 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	VPLS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.63	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	1.24	-0.99

Drawdowns

BNDP vs. VPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNDP drawdown since its inception was -2.60%, smaller than the maximum VPLS drawdown of -4.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNDP and VPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNDP	VPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.60%	-4.17%	+1.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.31%	-1.21%	-0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.86%	-1.01%	+0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.83%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BNDP	VPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.27%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.69%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.63%	3.65%	-0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.63%	4.61%	-0.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.63%	4.61%	-0.98%

BNDP vs. VPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BNDP has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VPLS's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BNDP vs. VPLS - Dividend Comparison

BNDP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.08%, less than VPLS's 4.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	2.08%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%
VPLS Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF	4.76%	4.78%	4.52%	0.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNDP and VPLS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, BNDP and VPLS 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 VPLS?

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 VPLS?

BNDP is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for VPLS.

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

VPLS has the higher dividend yield at 4.76%, compared with 2.08% for BNDP.

What is the main difference between BNDP and VPLS?

Their fees differ too: 0.05% for BNDP and 0.20% for VPLS.