BNDX vs. BLV

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

BNDX (Vanguard Total International Bond ETF) and BLV (Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BNDX is a Global Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped Index (USD Hedged), while BLV is a Long-Term Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Long Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BNDX returned 1.65%/yr vs 0.81%/yr for BLV. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BNDX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for BLV.

Performance

BNDX vs. BLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) and Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BNDX achieves a 0.37% return, which is significantly higher than BLV's -0.54% return. Over the past 10 years, BNDX has outperformed BLV with an annualized return of 1.65%, while BLV has yielded a comparatively lower 0.81% annualized return.

BNDX

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: -0.16%
• YTD: 0.37%
• 6M: 0.55%
• 1Y: 1.86%
• 3Y*: 4.01%
• 5Y*: 0.25%
• 10Y*: 1.65%

BLV

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: -1.02%
• YTD: -0.54%
• 6M: -0.73%
• 1Y: 5.53%
• 3Y*: 1.83%
• 5Y*: -3.70%
• 10Y*: 0.81%

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

BNDX vs. BLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BNDX Vanguard Total International Bond ETF	0.37%	2.86%	3.57%	8.77%	-12.76%	-2.29%	4.65%	7.87%	2.81%	2.40%
BLV Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF	-0.54%	6.44%	-3.65%	7.35%	-26.95%	-2.89%	16.13%	18.99%	-4.17%	10.74%

Correlation

The correlation between BNDX and BLV is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2013	0.71

The correlation between BNDX and BLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

BNDX vs. BLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BNDX	BLV
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	0.0%
Industrials	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

BNDX vs. BLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

BNDX

BNDX Risk / Return Rank: 18
BNDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
BNDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
BNDX Omega Ratio Rank: 17
BNDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
BNDX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

BLV

BLV Risk / Return Rank: 21
BLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
BLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
BLV Omega Ratio Rank: 20
BLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
BLV Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

BNDX vs. BLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) and Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV). 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.

	BNDX	BLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.54	0.69	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.79	1.04	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.12	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	0.97	-0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.79	2.42	-0.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BNDX vs. BLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BNDX Sharpe Ratio is 0.54, which is comparable to the BLV Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BNDX and BLV, 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

	BNDX	BLV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54	0.69	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05	-0.29	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.41	0.07	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.36	+0.24

Drawdowns

BNDX vs. BLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNDX drawdown since its inception was -16.23%, smaller than the maximum BLV drawdown of -38.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNDX and BLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNDX	BLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.23%	-38.29%	+22.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.93%	-5.73%	+2.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.93%	-15.16%	+12.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.86%	-36.27%	+20.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.23%	-38.29%	+22.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.65%	-24.76%	+23.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.08%	-9.52%	+6.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.04%	2.29%	-1.25%

Volatility

BNDX vs. BLV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is 1.47%, while Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) has a volatility of 2.39%. This indicates that BNDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BNDX	BLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.47%	2.39%	-0.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.91%	5.65%	-2.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.43%	8.04%	-4.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.88%	12.96%	-8.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.09%	11.99%	-7.90%

BNDX vs. BLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

BNDX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than BLV's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BNDX vs. BLV - Dividend Comparison

BNDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.50%, less than BLV's 4.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BLV Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF	4.84%	4.67%	5.09%	4.06%	4.17%	3.37%	6.12%	3.57%	4.07%	3.63%	4.16%	4.37%
BNDX Vanguard Total International Bond ETF	4.50%	4.39%	4.18%	4.42%	1.51%	3.74%	1.11%	3.40%	3.01%	2.23%	1.89%	1.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNDX and BLV in my portfolio?

BNDX and BLV have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BNDX or BLV?

BLV has higher volatility (2.39%) compared to BNDX (1.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BNDX dropped -16.23% vs BLV's -38.29%.

Which ETF is better, BNDX or BLV?

On 10-year performance, BNDX leads with 1.65% vs 0.81% for BLV. On fees, BLV is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, BNDX has been the lower-risk option at 1.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BNDX or BLV?

Over the 10-year period, BNDX has performed better with a 1.65% return vs 0.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BNDX or BLV?

BLV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for BNDX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BNDX or BLV?

BLV has the higher dividend yield at 4.84%, compared with 4.50% for BNDX.

What is the main difference between BNDX and BLV?

BNDX is categorized as Global Bonds, while BLV is Long-Term Bond. BNDX tracks Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped Index (USD Hedged), while BLV tracks Bloomberg U.S. Long Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for BNDX and 0.03% for BLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.69 vs 0.54), 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.