BNDW vs. NXUS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BNDW (Vanguard Total World Bond ETF) and NXUS (Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF) are both Global Bonds funds - BNDW tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite Index while NXUS tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Index (USD Hedged). Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BNDW charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for NXUS.

Performance

BNDW vs. NXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total World Bond ETF (BNDW) and Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF (NXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BNDW achieves a 0.88% return, which is significantly lower than NXUS's 1.19% return.

BNDW

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 0.77%
• YTD: 0.88%
• 6M: 0.88%
• 1Y: 3.23%
• 3Y*: 4.10%
• 5Y*: 0.27%
• 10Y*: —

NXUS

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 1.02%
• YTD: 1.19%
• 6M: 1.23%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BNDW vs. NXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BNDW Vanguard Total World Bond ETF	0.88%	0.63%
NXUS Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF	1.19%	0.45%

Correlation

The correlation between BNDW and NXUS is 0.86, 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 Sep 24, 2025	0.86

Return for Risk

BNDW vs. NXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BNDW

BNDW Risk / Return Rank: 26
BNDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
BNDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
BNDW Omega Ratio Rank: 25
BNDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
BNDW Martin Ratio Rank: 25

NXUS

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

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.

BNDW vs. NXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total World Bond ETF (BNDW) and Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF (NXUS). 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.

	BNDW	NXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.40	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.20	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.24	—	—

Drawdowns

BNDW vs. NXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNDW drawdown since its inception was -17.22%, which is greater than NXUS's maximum drawdown of -2.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNDW and NXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNDW	NXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.22%	-2.81%	-14.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.70%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.27%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.08%	-0.63%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.95%	-0.91%	-4.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.00%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BNDW	NXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.92%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.70%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.35%	3.73%	-0.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.22%	3.73%	+1.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.89%	3.73%	+1.16%

BNDW vs. NXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BNDW has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than NXUS's 0.08% 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

BNDW vs. NXUS - Dividend Comparison

BNDW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.19%, more than NXUS's 1.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BNDW Vanguard Total World Bond ETF	4.19%	4.12%	3.90%	3.73%	2.02%	2.58%	1.56%	3.05%	1.66%
NXUS Nuveen International Aggregate Bond ETF	1.66%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNDW and NXUS in my portfolio?

BNDW and NXUS have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BNDW or NXUS?

On fees, BNDW 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, BNDW or NXUS?

BNDW is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for NXUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BNDW or NXUS?

BNDW has the higher dividend yield at 4.19%, compared with 1.66% for NXUS.

What is the main difference between BNDW and NXUS?

BNDW tracks Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite Index, while NXUS tracks Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Index (USD Hedged). They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Nuveen. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for BNDW and 0.08% for NXUS.