BNDX vs. LIRAX

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

BNDX (Vanguard Total International Bond ETF) and LIRAX (BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund Investor A Shares) are both funds - BNDX is a Global Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped Index (USD Hedged), while LIRAX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by BlackRock. Over the past 10 years, BNDX returned 1.72%/yr vs 5.66%/yr for LIRAX. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BNDX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.44%/yr for LIRAX.

Performance

BNDX vs. LIRAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) and BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund Investor A Shares (LIRAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BNDX achieves a 1.02% return, which is significantly lower than LIRAX's 4.83% return. Over the past 10 years, BNDX has underperformed LIRAX with an annualized return of 1.72%, while LIRAX has yielded a comparatively higher 5.66% annualized return.

BNDX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 0.85%
• YTD: 1.02%
• 6M: 1.22%
• 1Y: 2.27%
• 3Y*: 4.32%
• 5Y*: 0.32%
• 10Y*: 1.72%

LIRAX

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: -0.00%
• YTD: 4.83%
• 6M: 5.33%
• 1Y: 12.84%
• 3Y*: 9.39%
• 5Y*: 3.57%
• 10Y*: 5.66%

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

BNDX vs. LIRAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BNDX Vanguard Total International Bond ETF	1.02%	2.86%	3.57%	8.77%	-12.76%	-2.29%	4.65%	7.87%	2.81%	2.40%
LIRAX BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund Investor A Shares	4.83%	12.09%	5.84%	11.22%	-15.49%	6.42%	11.05%	15.60%	-3.79%	10.43%

Correlation

The correlation between BNDX and LIRAX is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2013	0.30

Over the past year, BNDX and LIRAX have become more correlated (0.59) than their long-term average of 0.30, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

BNDX vs. LIRAX — 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: 18
BNDX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
BNDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
BNDX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

LIRAX

LIRAX Risk / Return Rank: 79
LIRAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
LIRAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
LIRAX Omega Ratio Rank: 78
LIRAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
LIRAX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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. LIRAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) and BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund Investor A Shares (LIRAX). 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.

	BNDX	LIRAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.56	2.15	-1.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.82	3.06	-2.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.42	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.66	2.95	-2.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.84	12.83	-10.98

BNDX vs. LIRAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BNDX Sharpe Ratio is 0.56, which is lower than the LIRAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BNDX and LIRAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BNDX vs. LIRAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNDX drawdown since its inception was -16.23%, smaller than the maximum LIRAX drawdown of -20.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNDX and LIRAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNDX	LIRAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.23%	-20.67%	+4.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.93%	-4.29%	+1.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.93%	-7.63%	+4.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.86%	-20.67%	+4.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.23%	-20.67%	+4.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-0.83%	-0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.10%	-2.94%	-0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	0.98%	+0.07%

Volatility

BNDX vs. LIRAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is 1.49%, while BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund Investor A Shares (LIRAX) has a volatility of 2.57%. This indicates that BNDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LIRAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BNDX	LIRAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.49%	2.57%	-1.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.96%	4.92%	-1.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.47%	5.89%	-2.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.89%	7.87%	-2.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.10%	7.53%	-3.43%

BNDX vs. LIRAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

BNDX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than LIRAX's 0.44% expense ratio.

Dividends

BNDX vs. LIRAX - Dividend Comparison

BNDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.47%, more than LIRAX's 3.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BNDX Vanguard Total International Bond ETF	4.47%	4.39%	4.18%	4.42%	1.51%	3.74%	1.11%	3.40%	3.01%	2.23%	1.89%	1.63%
LIRAX BlackRock LifePath Index Retirement Fund Investor A Shares	3.37%	3.53%	1.82%	2.37%	2.42%	2.42%	1.70%	2.22%	2.18%	1.99%	2.23%	2.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNDX and LIRAX in my portfolio?

BNDX and LIRAX have a correlation of 0.59, 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 LIRAX?

LIRAX has higher volatility (2.57%) compared to BNDX (1.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BNDX dropped -16.23% vs LIRAX's -20.67%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LIRAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 0.56), 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.