VTG vs. BFIX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) and BFIX (Build Bond Innovation ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. VTG is passively managed, while BFIX is actively managed. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VTG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for BFIX.

Performance

VTG vs. BFIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTG achieves a 0.01% return, which is significantly lower than BFIX's 1.35% return.

VTG

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 0.01%
• 6M: 0.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BFIX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.25%
• YTD: 1.35%
• 6M: 1.57%
• 1Y: 4.53%
• 3Y*: 7.78%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTG vs. BFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	0.01%	2.88%
BFIX Build Bond Innovation ETF	1.35%	2.71%

Correlation

The correlation between VTG and BFIX is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	0.34

Return for Risk

VTG vs. BFIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

BFIX

BFIX Risk / Return Rank: 59
BFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
BFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
BFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
BFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
BFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

VTG vs. BFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX). 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

	VTG	BFIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.58	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.91	0.85	+0.06

Drawdowns

VTG vs. BFIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTG drawdown since its inception was -2.89%, smaller than the maximum BFIX drawdown of -8.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTG and BFIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTG	BFIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.89%	-8.03%	+5.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.94%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-4.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.78%	-0.32%	-1.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.74%	-2.75%	+2.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.39%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VTG	BFIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.89%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.73%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.51%	2.89%	+0.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.51%	4.77%	-1.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.51%	4.77%	-1.26%

VTG vs. BFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than BFIX's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTG vs. BFIX - Dividend Comparison

VTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.20%, less than BFIX's 3.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BFIX Build Bond Innovation ETF	3.52%	3.73%	4.38%	4.30%	1.58%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.20%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTG and BFIX in my portfolio?

VTG and BFIX have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VTG or BFIX?

On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTG or BFIX?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for BFIX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTG or BFIX?

BFIX has the higher dividend yield at 3.52%, compared with 3.20% for VTG.

What is the main difference between VTG and BFIX?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Build. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTG and 0.45% for BFIX.