BNDW vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BNDW (Vanguard Total World Bond ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BNDW is a Global Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BNDW returned 0.22%/yr vs 8.46%/yr for VXUS. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.05% expense ratio.

Performance

BNDW vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BNDW achieves a 0.42% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 14.25% return.

BNDW

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 0.42%
• 6M: 0.18%
• 1Y: 3.51%
• 3Y*: 3.99%
• 5Y*: 0.22%
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 14.25%
• 6M: 16.92%
• 1Y: 32.01%
• 3Y*: 19.30%
• 5Y*: 8.46%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

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

BNDW vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BNDW Vanguard Total World Bond ETF	0.42%	5.02%	2.42%	7.18%	-12.88%	-2.10%	6.22%	8.37%	1.21%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	14.25%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-9.33%

Correlation

The correlation between BNDW and VXUS is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 7, 2018	0.13

Over the past year, BNDW and VXUS have become more correlated (0.46) than their long-term average of 0.13, meaning their price movements have been converging.

BNDW vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BNDW	VXUS
Technology	100.0%	18.1%
Basic Materials	-	7.6%
Communication Services	-	4.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.0%
Energy	-	5.2%
Financial Services	-	22.3%
Healthcare	-	7.1%
Industrials	-	16.1%
Real Estate	-	2.6%
Utilities	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

BNDW vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BNDW

BNDW Risk / Return Rank: 27
BNDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
BNDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
BNDW Omega Ratio Rank: 26
BNDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
BNDW Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	BNDW	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	2.12	-1.07
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	2.90	-1.40
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.39	-0.20
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.31	2.85	-1.54
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.70	11.14	-7.44
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BNDW vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BNDW Sharpe Ratio is 1.05, which is lower than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BNDW and VXUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BNDW	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.05	2.12	-1.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.04	0.53	-0.49
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	0.39	-0.01

Drawdowns

BNDW vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNDW drawdown since its inception was -17.22%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNDW and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNDW	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.22%	-35.97%	+18.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.70%	-11.27%	+8.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.27%	-13.58%	+9.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.93%	-29.44%	+12.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.53%	-0.99%	-0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.98%	-8.22%	+3.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.95%	2.88%	-1.93%

Volatility

BNDW vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total World Bond ETF (BNDW) is 1.31%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 5.60%. This indicates that BNDW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BNDW	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.31%	5.60%	-4.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.62%	13.00%	-10.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.36%	15.21%	-11.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.21%	16.05%	-10.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.90%	17.16%	-12.26%

BNDW vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BNDW and VXUS have an expense ratio of 0.05%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BNDW vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

BNDW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.21%, more than VXUS's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BNDW Vanguard Total World Bond ETF	4.21%	4.12%	3.90%	3.73%	2.02%	2.58%	1.56%	3.05%	1.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.66%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNDW and VXUS in my portfolio?

BNDW and VXUS have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BNDW or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to BNDW (1.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BNDW dropped -17.22% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, BNDW or VXUS?

On 5-year performance, VXUS leads with 8.46% vs 0.22% for BNDW. Both ETFs have the same 0.05% expense ratio. On volatility, BNDW has been the lower-risk option at 1.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BNDW or VXUS?

Over the 5-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 8.46% return vs 0.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BNDW or VXUS?

BNDW and VXUS have the same expense ratio: 0.05% per year.

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

BNDW has the higher dividend yield at 4.21%, compared with 2.66% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between BNDW and VXUS?

BNDW is categorized as Global Bonds, while VXUS is Global Equities. BNDW tracks Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.05), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.