VGVT vs. BNDP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VGVT (Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF) and BNDP (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGVT is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while BNDP is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Universal Float Adjusted Index. VGVT is actively managed, while BNDP is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VGVT charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for BNDP.

Performance

VGVT vs. BNDP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF (BNDP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGVT achieves a 0.11% return, which is significantly lower than BNDP's 0.34% return.

VGVT

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: 0.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BNDP

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 0.34%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VGVT vs. BNDP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	0.11%	0.08%
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	0.34%	0.10%

Correlation

The correlation between VGVT and BNDP is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 5, 2025	0.89

Return for Risk

VGVT vs. BNDP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF (BNDP). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGVT	BNDP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.17	0.25	+0.93

Drawdowns

VGVT vs. BNDP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGVT drawdown since its inception was -2.77%, which is greater than BNDP's maximum drawdown of -2.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGVT and BNDP.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGVT	BNDP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.77%	-2.60%	-0.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.76%	-1.31%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.67%	-0.86%	+0.19%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGVT	BNDP	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.22%	3.63%	-0.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.22%	3.63%	-0.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.22%	3.63%	-0.41%

VGVT vs. BNDP - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGVT has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than BNDP'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

VGVT vs. BNDP - Dividend Comparison

VGVT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.99%, more than BNDP's 2.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	2.08%	0.24%
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	3.99%	2.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGVT and BNDP in my portfolio?

VGVT and BNDP have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VGVT or BNDP?

On fees, BNDP is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGVT or BNDP?

BNDP is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for VGVT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGVT or BNDP?

VGVT has the higher dividend yield at 3.99%, compared with 2.08% for BNDP.

What is the main difference between VGVT and BNDP?

VGVT is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while BNDP is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VGVT and 0.05% for BNDP.