AGG vs BNDX: returns, risk and drawdowns compared
iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF against Vanguard Total International Bond ETF, over the same 13 years (July 2013 to October 2026) with dividends reinvested.
Data updated October 2026
From July 2013 to October 2026, AGG returned 1.8% a year and BNDX 2.4% a year on average, so BNDX came out ahead by 0.5% a year. AGG was the more volatile of the two (4.7% against 4.1% a year), and the deepest falls from a month-end high were 17.1% for AGG and 14.9% for BNDX.
The correlation of monthly returns was 0.86: they usually moved together. Over 125 rolling 3-year periods, AGG did better in 32% and BNDX in 68%.
Side by side
| AGG | BNDX | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return (CAGR) | +1.8% | +2.4% |
| Total return | +28% | +36% |
| Annual volatility | 4.7% | 4.1% |
| Maximum drawdown (month-end) | −17.1% | −14.9% |
| Worst month | −4.1% | −3.6% |
| Best month | +4.6% | +3.4% |
| Positive months | 56% | 62% |
| Best year | 2019: +8.5% | 2023: +8.9% |
| Worst year | 2022: −13.0% | 2022: −12.8% |
| 1-year return | −1.9% | −1.2% |
| 5 years, a year | −0.3% | +0.2% |
| 10 years, a year | +1.2% | +1.4% |
| Trading currency | USD | USD |
First nine rows: the same 160 months for both funds. Trailing returns: to each fund’s last close.
Growth of 10,000: AGG vs BNDX
Returns by calendar year
| Year | AGG | BNDX |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +7.2% | +2.9% |
| 2024 | +1.3% | +3.6% |
| 2023 | +5.7% | +8.9% |
| 2022 | −13.0% | −12.8% |
| 2021 | −1.8% | −2.3% |
| 2020 | +7.5% | +4.7% |
| 2019 | +8.5% | +7.9% |
| 2018 | +0.1% | +2.8% |
| 2017 | +3.5% | +2.4% |
| 2016 | +2.4% | +4.6% |
| 2015 | +0.5% | +1.2% |
| 2014 | +6.0% | +8.7% |
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
The comparison uses only the months in which both funds have prices, so the figures cover the same period even when one fund is older.
Questions
Which has returned more, AGG or BNDX?
From July 2013 to October 2026, AGG returned +1.8% a year and BNDX +2.4% a year, with dividends reinvested. Over rolling 3-year periods AGG did better in 32% of cases. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, AGG or BNDX?
Over the same months annual volatility was 4.7% for AGG and 4.1% for BNDX; the deepest fall from a month-end high was 17.1% and 14.9%, and the worst single month −4.1% and −3.6%.
How correlated are AGG and BNDX?
The correlation of their monthly returns was 0.86: they usually moved together. Combining them has historically given some diversification.
More comparisons
Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.