WABF vs. BNDP

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

WABF (Western Asset Bond ETF) and BNDP (Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. WABF is actively managed, while BNDP is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 means they have usually moved in the same direction. WABF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for BNDP.

Performance

WABF vs. BNDP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) 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, WABF achieves a -0.79% return, which is significantly lower than BNDP's -0.46% return.

WABF

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -1.29%
• 6M: -1.19%
• YTD: -0.79%
• 1Y: 1.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 5.25%

BNDP

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -1.08%
• 6M: -0.62%
• YTD: -0.46%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	$504.98K	$475.70K	$762.42K
WABF Western Asset Bond ETF	$32.31K	$25.18K	$23.88K

WABF vs. BNDP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WABF Western Asset Bond ETF	-0.79%	-0.07%
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	-0.46%	0.08%

Correlation

The correlation between WABF and BNDP is 0.93, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2025	0.93

Return for Risk

WABF vs. BNDP — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

WABF

WABF Risk / Return Rank: 31
WABF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
WABF Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
WABF Omega Ratio Rank: 31
WABF Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
WABF Martin Ratio Rank: 28

BNDP

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

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

WABF vs. BNDP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) 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.

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.

	WABF	BNDP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.84	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.25	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.96	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.42	—	—

Drawdowns

WABF vs. BNDP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WABF drawdown since its inception was -5.36%, which is greater than BNDP's maximum drawdown of -2.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WABF and BNDP.

Drawdown Indicators

	WABF	BNDP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.36%	-2.60%	-2.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.03%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.59%	-2.10%	-0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.53%	-0.98%	-0.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.20%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WABF	BNDP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.91%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.59%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.48%	3.65%	-0.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.90%	3.65%	+2.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.90%	3.65%	+2.25%

WABF vs. BNDP - Expense Ratio Comparison

WABF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than BNDP's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

WABF vs. BNDP - Dividend Comparison

WABF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.25%, more than BNDP's 2.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BNDP Vanguard Core-Plus Bond Index ETF	2.47%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%
WABF Western Asset Bond ETF	4.77%	5.67%	6.25%	1.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WABF and BNDP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, WABF and BNDP 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 ETF is better, WABF 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, WABF or BNDP?

BNDP is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for WABF.

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

WABF has the higher dividend yield at 4.77%, compared with 2.47% for BNDP.

What is the main difference between WABF and BNDP?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for WABF and 0.05% for BNDP.