Compare/Updated Oct 26, 2026, refreshed every trading day
VBTLX vs BND
Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares against Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF: 4 years of returns, risk and today’s technical read, from Kavout’s own data.
BND did better over the period: $1,000 invested on October 28, 2022 would be worth $1,161 versus $1,120 for VBTLX, a 16.1% versus 12.0% gain. BND also led over three years, 16.4% versus 9.2%, and had stronger recent returns across every listed period, including one year (-1.6% versus -5.3%) and YTD (-1.3% versus -4.2%). The difference matters because both funds provide highly similar broad U.S. bond-market exposure, yet BND delivered the better outcome. Their daily-move correlation was 0.945, with VBTLX moving 0.97% per 1% move in BND. Risk was nearly identical: 12-month volatility was 4.0% for BND and 3.9% for VBTLX, while both experienced a worst drawdown of -7.2%. BND’s 0.03% expense ratio and $389B in assets are additional distinguishing details.
- Technical indicators are not available for this ticker yet.
- Price is below its 200-day average ($72); 50-day at $71.
- RSI 61, neutral. Supertrend says buy. ADX 25, so the trend is developing.
Head to head
Which has returned more, VBTLX or BND?
VBTLX beat BND in 14 of the last 48 months; BND won the other 34. The typical monthly gap was 0.13 points.
Total return by period
Which is riskier?
Both: Apr 5, 2023 to Oct 19, 2023
- 0.945
- correlation of daily moves, 4 years
- 0.97
- VBTLX move per 1% in BND
- 0.915
- correlation, last 12 months
Month by month
Of the last 48 months. The typical gap was 0.13 points.
When did they diverge?
| Month | VBTLX | BND | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2023 | +5.9% | +3.3% | +2.61 pts |
| September 2025 | +0.7% | +1.1% | -0.38 pts |
| July 2026 | -1.7% | -1.3% | -0.38 pts |
| February 2026 | +1.2% | +1.6% | -0.38 pts |
Where the numbers come from. 1000 daily adjusted closes per fund from the Kavout market-data API, dividends included. Signals and indicators are Kavout’s own, refreshed nightly. Every figure is calculated from those adjusted closes.
Holdings and fees
What do you actually own with VBTLX and BND?
- Price
- $9.36
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