ETF Versus

BNDX vs IAGG

Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund vs iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

BNDX

Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund (BNDX) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to international bond securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.07%. The fund offers a high dividend yield of 4.46%. Launched in 2013, the fund has a 13-year track record.

AUM: $76.8B ER: 0.07% Yield: 4.46% Since: Jun 4, 2013
IAGG

iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF (IAGG) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to international bond securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.07%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.30%. Launched in 2015, the fund has a 11-year track record.

AUM: $12.7B ER: 0.07% Yield: 3.30% Since: Nov 10, 2015

Quick Verdict

IAGG has edged ahead over the past year (-0.5% vs -1.7%). Income investors may prefer BNDX for its higher yield (4.5% vs 3.3%).

Key Metrics

Metric BNDX IAGG
Expense Ratio 0.07% 0.07%
Dividend Yield 4.5% 3.3%
Fund Family N/A N/A
Category International Bond International Bond

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

80 85 90 95 100 105 2021-04 2022-06 2023-09 2024-12 2026-04
BNDX -15.9%
IAGG -9.2%

Performance Comparison

Period BNDX IAGG Difference
1 Month -1.88% -1.58% -0.30%
3 Months -0.62% -0.38% -0.24%
6 Months -2.83% -2.90% +0.07%
YTD -0.62% -0.38% -0.24%
1 Year -1.68% -0.46% -1.22%
3 Years -1.88% +1.57% -3.45%
5 Years -15.89% -9.21% -6.68%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period BNDX Fees IAGG Fees You Save
$10.000 10 years $140 $140 $0
$10.000 20 years $600 $600 $0
$10.000 30 years $1.938 $1.938 $0
$50.000 10 years $698 $698 $0
$50.000 30 years $9.692 $9.692 $0
$100.000 30 years $19.383 $19.383 $0

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric BNDX IAGG
Annualized Volatility 5.3% 5.5%
Max Drawdown -19.1% -15.1%
Sharpe Ratio -1.48 -1.15

Dividend Comparison

Metric BNDX IAGG
Annual Dividend (per share) $2.14 $1.65
Dividend Yield 4.45% 3.30%
Distribution Frequency Monthly Semi-Annual or Annual

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose BNDX if...

you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.

Either works if...

you just need broad international bond exposure. Both are solid options — pick whichever your brokerage offers commission-free.

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