BNDX vs. DBC

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BNDX (Vanguard Total International Bond ETF) and DBC (Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund) 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 DBC is a Commodities fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Index Excess Return. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BNDX returned 1.72%/yr vs 9.04%/yr for DBC. At a correlation of -0.11, they often move in opposite directions. BNDX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for DBC.

Performance

BNDX vs. DBC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BNDX achieves a 0.89% return, which is significantly lower than DBC's 34.70% return. Over the past 10 years, BNDX has underperformed DBC with an annualized return of 1.72%, while DBC has yielded a comparatively higher 9.04% annualized return.

BNDX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 0.89%
• 6M: 0.65%
• 1Y: 2.18%
• 3Y*: 4.16%
• 5Y*: 0.45%
• 10Y*: 1.72%

DBC

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: -2.24%
• YTD: 34.70%
• 6M: 35.25%
• 1Y: 46.03%
• 3Y*: 14.87%
• 5Y*: 12.90%
• 10Y*: 9.04%

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

BNDX vs. DBC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BNDX Vanguard Total International Bond ETF	0.89%	2.86%	3.57%	8.77%	-12.76%	-2.29%	4.65%	7.87%	2.81%	2.40%
DBC Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund	34.70%	8.10%	2.18%	-6.19%	19.34%	41.36%	-7.84%	11.84%	-11.63%	4.86%

Correlation

The correlation between BNDX and DBC is -0.38, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.13
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2013	-0.11

Over the past year, the inverse relationship between BNDX and DBC has strengthened: their correlation has moved from -0.11 to -0.38, meaning they now move in opposite directions more often than their long-term average.

BNDX vs. DBC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BNDX	DBC
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	91.5%
Industrials	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

BNDX vs. DBC — 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: 20
BNDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
BNDX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
BNDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
BNDX Martin Ratio Rank: 18

DBC

DBC Risk / Return Rank: 77
DBC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
DBC Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
DBC Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DBC Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
DBC Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. DBC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC). 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	DBC	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.64	2.48	-1.83
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.93	3.17	-2.24
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.43	-0.31
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.71	6.97	-6.25
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	2.05	14.90	-12.85
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. DBC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BNDX Sharpe Ratio is 0.64, which is lower than the DBC Sharpe Ratio of 2.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BNDX and DBC, 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	DBC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64	2.48	-1.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09	0.68	-0.58
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42	0.51	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	0.12	+0.50

Drawdowns

BNDX vs. DBC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNDX drawdown since its inception was -16.23%, smaller than the maximum DBC drawdown of -76.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNDX and DBC.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNDX	DBC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.23%	-76.36%	+60.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.93%	-7.05%	+4.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.93%	-13.82%	+10.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.86%	-27.34%	+11.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.23%	-41.71%	+25.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.14%	-22.08%	+20.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.09%	-46.22%	+43.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.02%	3.30%	-2.28%

Volatility

BNDX vs. DBC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is 1.55%, while Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC) has a volatility of 6.67%. This indicates that BNDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BNDX	DBC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.55%	6.67%	-5.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.90%	15.75%	-12.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.41%	18.78%	-15.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.88%	19.18%	-14.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.09%	17.81%	-13.72%

BNDX vs. DBC - Expense Ratio Comparison

BNDX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than DBC's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

BNDX vs. DBC - Dividend Comparison

BNDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.48%, more than DBC's 2.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BNDX Vanguard Total International Bond ETF	4.48%	4.39%	4.18%	4.42%	1.51%	3.74%	1.11%	3.40%	3.01%	2.23%	1.89%	1.63%
DBC Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund	2.47%	3.33%	5.22%	4.94%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	1.59%	1.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNDX and DBC in my portfolio?

BNDX and DBC have a correlation of -0.38, 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 DBC?

DBC has higher volatility (6.67%) compared to BNDX (1.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BNDX dropped -16.23% vs DBC's -76.36%.

Which ETF is better, BNDX or DBC?

On 10-year performance, DBC leads with 9.04% vs 1.72% for BNDX. On fees, BNDX is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, BNDX has been the lower-risk option at 1.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BNDX or DBC?

Over the 10-year period, DBC has performed better with a 9.04% return vs 1.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BNDX or DBC?

BNDX is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DBC.

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

BNDX has the higher dividend yield at 4.48%, compared with 2.47% for DBC.

What is the main difference between BNDX and DBC?

BNDX is categorized as Global Bonds, while DBC is Commodities. BNDX tracks Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped Index (USD Hedged), while DBC tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Index Excess Return. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for BNDX and 0.85% for DBC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 0.64), 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.