DGCB vs. BNDW

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DGCB (Dimensional Global Credit ETF) and BNDW (Vanguard Total World Bond ETF) are both Global Bonds funds. DGCB is actively managed, while BNDW is passively managed. Over the past year, DGCB returned 6.15% vs 3.74% for BNDW. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DGCB charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for BNDW.

Performance

DGCB vs. BNDW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Global Credit ETF (DGCB) and Vanguard Total World Bond ETF (BNDW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGCB achieves a 1.43% return, which is significantly higher than BNDW's 0.68% return.

DGCB

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: 1.43%
• 6M: 1.40%
• 1Y: 6.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BNDW

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 0.68%
• 6M: 0.54%
• 1Y: 3.74%
• 3Y*: 4.08%
• 5Y*: 0.33%
• 10Y*: —

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

DGCB vs. BNDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DGCB Dimensional Global Credit ETF	1.43%	6.68%	3.80%	6.14%
BNDW Vanguard Total World Bond ETF	0.68%	5.02%	2.42%	5.18%

Correlation

The correlation between DGCB and BNDW is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2023	0.92

The correlation between DGCB and BNDW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DGCB vs. BNDW — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGCB

DGCB Risk / Return Rank: 42
DGCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
DGCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
DGCB Omega Ratio Rank: 44
DGCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
DGCB Martin Ratio Rank: 42

BNDW

BNDW Risk / Return Rank: 29
BNDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
BNDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
BNDW Omega Ratio Rank: 29
BNDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
BNDW Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

DGCB vs. BNDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Credit ETF (DGCB) and Vanguard Total World Bond ETF (BNDW). 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.

	DGCB	BNDW	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	1.12	+0.44
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	1.60	+0.66
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.19	+0.09
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.93	1.34	+0.59
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.80	3.82	+2.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DGCB vs. BNDW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGCB Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is higher than the BNDW Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGCB and BNDW, 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

	DGCB	BNDW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.56	1.12	+0.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.06	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.49	0.38	+1.10

Drawdowns

DGCB vs. BNDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGCB drawdown since its inception was -3.50%, smaller than the maximum BNDW drawdown of -17.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGCB and BNDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGCB	BNDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.50%	-17.22%	+13.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.08%	-2.70%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-4.27%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.93%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.45%	-1.27%	+0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.80%	-4.98%	+4.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.87%	0.95%	-0.08%

Volatility

DGCB vs. BNDW - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Global Credit ETF (DGCB) has a higher volatility of 1.47% compared to Vanguard Total World Bond ETF (BNDW) at 1.31%. This indicates that DGCB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BNDW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGCB	BNDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.47%	1.31%	+0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.18%	2.63%	+0.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.97%	3.35%	+0.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.82%	5.21%	-0.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.82%	4.90%	-0.08%

DGCB vs. BNDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGCB has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than BNDW's 0.05% 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

DGCB vs. BNDW - Dividend Comparison

DGCB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, less than BNDW's 4.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BNDW Vanguard Total World Bond ETF	4.20%	4.12%	3.90%	3.73%	2.02%	2.58%	1.56%	3.05%	1.66%
DGCB Dimensional Global Credit ETF	3.22%	3.43%	4.72%	0.63%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGCB and BNDW in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, DGCB and BNDW move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DGCB or BNDW?

DGCB has higher volatility (1.47%) compared to BNDW (1.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGCB dropped -3.50% vs BNDW's -17.22%.

Which ETF is better, DGCB or BNDW?

On 1-year performance, DGCB leads with 6.15% vs 3.74% for BNDW. On fees, BNDW is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, BNDW has been the lower-risk option at 1.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DGCB or BNDW?

Over the 1-year period, DGCB has performed better with a 6.15% return vs 3.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DGCB or BNDW?

BNDW is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for DGCB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DGCB or BNDW?

BNDW has the higher dividend yield at 4.20%, compared with 3.22% for DGCB.

What is the main difference between DGCB and BNDW?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for DGCB and 0.05% for BNDW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGCB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 1.12), 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.