BNDX vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BNDX (Vanguard Total International Bond ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR 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 XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BNDX returned 1.72%/yr vs 9.91%/yr for XLE. At a correlation of -0.15, they often move in opposite directions. BNDX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

BNDX vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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 XLE's 29.56% return. Over the past 10 years, BNDX has underperformed XLE with an annualized return of 1.72%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively higher 9.91% 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%

XLE

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -0.90%
• YTD: 29.56%
• 6M: 28.37%
• 1Y: 34.84%
• 3Y*: 16.18%
• 5Y*: 20.12%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

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

BNDX vs. XLE - 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%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	29.56%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between BNDX and XLE is -0.25, 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	-0.25
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.11
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.12
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2013	-0.15

The correlation between BNDX and XLE shifts across timeframes, from -0.25 (1 year) to -0.11 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BNDX vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BNDX	XLE
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Industrials	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	100.0%
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

BNDX vs. XLE — 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

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 61
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 54
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.56	1.82	-1.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.82	2.40	-1.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.30	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.66	3.10	-2.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.84	8.63	-6.79

BNDX vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BNDX Sharpe Ratio is 0.56, which is lower than the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BNDX and XLE, 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. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNDX drawdown since its inception was -16.23%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNDX and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNDX	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.23%	-71.26%	+55.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.93%	-12.05%	+9.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.93%	-20.14%	+17.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.86%	-26.04%	+10.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.23%	-66.81%	+50.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-8.01%	+6.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.10%	-17.97%	+14.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	4.32%	-3.27%

Volatility

BNDX vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is 1.49%, while State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has a volatility of 7.26%. This indicates that BNDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BNDX	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.49%	7.26%	-5.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.96%	16.79%	-13.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.47%	20.57%	-17.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.89%	26.05%	-21.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.10%	29.58%	-25.48%

BNDX vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

BNDX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. XLE - Dividend Comparison

BNDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.47%, more than XLE's 2.59% 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%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.59%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNDX and XLE in my portfolio?

BNDX and XLE have a correlation of -0.25, 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 XLE?

XLE has higher volatility (7.26%) compared to BNDX (1.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BNDX dropped -16.23% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, BNDX or XLE?

On 10-year performance, XLE leads with 9.91% 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 1.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BNDX or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, XLE has performed better with a 9.91% 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 XLE?

BNDX is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for XLE.

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

BNDX has the higher dividend yield at 4.47%, compared with 2.59% for XLE.

What is the main difference between BNDX and XLE?

BNDX is categorized as Global Bonds, while XLE is Energy Equities. BNDX tracks Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped Index (USD Hedged), while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for BNDX and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 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.