BNDP vs. WABF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BNDP (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF) and WABF (Western Asset Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. BNDP is passively managed, while WABF is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BNDP charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for WABF.

Performance

BNDP vs. WABF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF (BNDP) and Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF). 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 higher than WABF's 0.21% return.

BNDP

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

WABF

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.65%
• YTD: 0.21%
• 6M: 0.41%
• 1Y: 4.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BNDP vs. WABF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	0.52%	0.08%
WABF Western Asset Bond ETF	0.21%	-0.07%

Correlation

The correlation between BNDP and WABF is 0.93, 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 4, 2025	0.93

Return for Risk

BNDP vs. WABF — 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.

WABF

WABF Risk / Return Rank: 35
WABF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
WABF Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
WABF Omega Ratio Rank: 36
WABF Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
WABF Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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. WABF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF (BNDP) and Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF). 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	WABF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.25	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.88	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.22	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.50	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	4.33	—

Drawdowns

BNDP vs. WABF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNDP drawdown since its inception was -2.60%, smaller than the maximum WABF drawdown of -5.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNDP and WABF.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNDP	WABF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.60%	-5.36%	+2.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-1.61%	+0.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-1.52%	+0.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.05%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BNDP	WABF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.87%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.50%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.70%	3.66%	+0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.70%	5.97%	-2.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.70%	5.97%	-2.27%

BNDP vs. WABF - Expense Ratio Comparison

BNDP has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than WABF's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

BNDP vs. WABF - Dividend Comparison

BNDP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.07%, less than WABF's 5.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	2.07%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%
WABF Western Asset Bond ETF	5.13%	5.67%	6.25%	1.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNDP and WABF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, BNDP and WABF 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 WABF?

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 WABF?

BNDP is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for WABF.

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

WABF has the higher dividend yield at 5.13%, compared with 2.07% for BNDP.

What is the main difference between BNDP and WABF?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for BNDP and 0.35% for WABF.