BNDX vs. VCIT
BNDX (Vanguard Total International Bond ETF) and VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate 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 VCIT is a Corporate Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BNDX returned 1.65%/yr vs 2.85%/yr for VCIT. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BNDX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VCIT.
Performance
BNDX vs. VCIT - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BNDX achieves a 0.37% return, which is significantly higher than VCIT's -0.26% return. Over the past 10 years, BNDX has underperformed VCIT with an annualized return of 1.65%, while VCIT has yielded a comparatively higher 2.85% 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%
VCIT
- 1D
- -0.01%
- 1M
- -0.79%
- YTD
- -0.26%
- 6M
- 0.06%
- 1Y
- 5.98%
- 3Y*
- 6.04%
- 5Y*
- 1.04%
- 10Y*
- 2.85%
BNDX vs. VCIT - 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% |
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF | -0.26% | 9.34% | 3.20% | 8.98% | -13.98% | -1.77% | 9.46% | 14.10% | -1.74% | 5.31% |
Correlation
The correlation between BNDX and VCIT is 0.73, 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 | 0.73 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.78 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.79 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.72 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2013 | 0.68 |
The correlation between BNDX and VCIT shifts across timeframes, from 0.68 (all time) to 0.79 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
BNDX vs. VCIT — Risk / Return Rank
BNDX
VCIT
BNDX vs. VCIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT). 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 | VCIT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.93 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.39 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.10 | 1.26 | -0.17 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.64 | 2.03 | -1.39 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 1.79 | 6.67 | -4.87 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| BNDX | VCIT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.54 | 1.48 | -0.93 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.05 | 0.16 | -0.11 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.41 | 0.46 | -0.05 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.60 | 0.75 | -0.15 |
Drawdowns
BNDX vs. VCIT - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BNDX drawdown since its inception was -16.23%, smaller than the maximum VCIT drawdown of -20.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNDX and VCIT.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| BNDX | VCIT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -16.23% | -20.56% | +4.33% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.93% | -2.96% | +0.03% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -2.93% | -6.11% | +3.18% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -15.86% | -20.56% | +4.70% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -16.23% | -20.56% | +4.33% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.65% | -1.79% | +0.14% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.08% | -3.16% | +0.08% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.04% | 0.90% | +0.14% |
Volatility
BNDX vs. VCIT - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) has a higher volatility of 1.47% compared to Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) at 1.39%. This indicates that BNDX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VCIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| BNDX | VCIT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.47% | 1.39% | +0.08% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 2.91% | 3.10% | -0.19% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.43% | 4.07% | -0.64% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 4.88% | 6.61% | -1.73% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 4.09% | 6.28% | -2.19% |
BNDX vs. VCIT - Expense Ratio Comparison
BNDX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VCIT'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. VCIT - Dividend Comparison
BNDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.50%, less than VCIT's 4.82% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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% |
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF | 4.82% | 4.62% | 4.43% | 3.72% | 3.03% | 2.87% | 2.78% | 3.37% | 3.61% | 3.21% | 3.29% | 3.34% |
Frequently Asked Questions
BNDX and VCIT have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
BNDX has higher volatility (1.47%) compared to VCIT (1.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BNDX dropped -16.23% vs VCIT's -20.56%.
On 10-year performance, VCIT leads with 2.85% vs 1.65% for BNDX. On fees, VCIT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VCIT has performed better with a 2.85% return vs 1.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VCIT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for BNDX.
VCIT has the higher dividend yield at 4.82%, compared with 4.50% for BNDX.
BNDX is categorized as Global Bonds, while VCIT is Corporate Bonds. BNDX tracks Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped Index (USD Hedged), while VCIT tracks Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for BNDX and 0.03% for VCIT.
VCIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 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.
Find the right allocation for BNDX and VCIT
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer