VB vs. BND
VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and BND (Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index, while BND is a Total Bond Market fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VB returned 11.38%/yr vs 1.60%/yr for BND. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. VB charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for BND.
Performance
VB vs. BND - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VB achieves a 14.91% return, which is significantly higher than BND's 0.46% return. Over the past 10 years, VB has outperformed BND with an annualized return of 11.38%, while BND has yielded a comparatively lower 1.60% annualized return.
VB
- 1D
- 0.75%
- 1M
- 3.68%
- YTD
- 14.91%
- 6M
- 16.03%
- 1Y
- 31.39%
- 3Y*
- 17.31%
- 5Y*
- 7.35%
- 10Y*
- 11.38%
BND
- 1D
- 0.03%
- 1M
- 0.12%
- YTD
- 0.46%
- 6M
- 0.46%
- 1Y
- 5.19%
- 3Y*
- 4.03%
- 5Y*
- 0.20%
- 10Y*
- 1.60%
VB vs. BND - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF | 14.91% | 8.87% | 14.17% | 18.22% | -17.51% | 17.57% | 19.19% | 27.34% | -9.34% | 16.26% |
BND Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF | 0.46% | 7.08% | 1.38% | 5.65% | -13.11% | -1.86% | 7.71% | 8.84% | -0.12% | 3.57% |
Correlation
The correlation between VB and BND is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.32 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.27 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.18 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.04 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 11, 2007 | -0.13 |
The correlation between VB and BND shifts across timeframes, from -0.13 (all time) to 0.32 (1 year), 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
VB vs. BND — Risk / Return Rank
VB
BND
VB vs. BND - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND). 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.
| VB | BND | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.94 | 1.38 | +0.56 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 2.75 | 2.07 | +0.68 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.34 | 1.24 | +0.09 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.48 | 1.85 | +1.62 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 12.82 | 5.66 | +7.17 |
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
| VB | BND | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.94 | 1.38 | +0.56 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.36 | 0.03 | +0.32 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.53 | 0.29 | +0.24 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.44 | 0.59 | -0.15 |
Drawdowns
VB vs. BND - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, which is greater than BND's maximum drawdown of -18.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and BND.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VB | BND | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -59.56% | -18.58% | -40.98% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.98% | -2.68% | -6.30% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -25.36% | -5.92% | -19.44% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -28.15% | -17.91% | -10.24% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -42.05% | -18.58% | -23.47% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | 0.00% | -2.18% | +2.18% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.44% | -3.06% | -5.38% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.43% | 0.88% | +1.55% |
Volatility
VB vs. BND - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) has a higher volatility of 4.40% compared to Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) at 1.26%. This indicates that VB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BND based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VB | BND | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.40% | 1.26% | +3.14% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.73% | 2.68% | +9.05% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 16.27% | 3.78% | +12.49% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.75% | 6.02% | +14.73% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 21.43% | 5.53% | +15.90% |
VB vs. BND - Expense Ratio Comparison
VB has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than BND'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
VB vs. BND - Dividend Comparison
VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, less than BND's 3.96% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BND Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF | 3.96% | 3.86% | 3.67% | 3.09% | 2.60% | 2.12% | 2.38% | 2.72% | 2.81% | 2.54% | 2.51% | 2.57% |
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF | 1.19% | 1.33% | 1.30% | 1.55% | 1.59% | 1.24% | 1.14% | 1.39% | 1.67% | 1.35% | 1.50% | 1.48% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VB and BND have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VB has higher volatility (4.40%) compared to BND (1.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs BND's -18.58%.
On 10-year performance, VB leads with 11.38% vs 1.60% for BND. On fees, BND is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, BND has been the lower-risk option at 1.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VB has performed better with a 11.38% return vs 1.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
BND is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for VB.
BND has the higher dividend yield at 3.96%, compared with 1.19% for VB.
VB is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while BND is Total Bond Market. VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index, while BND tracks Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Index. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VB and 0.03% for BND.
VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.38), 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 VB and BND
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