VTI vs BND: Head-to-Head Comparison
Last updated: March 2026 • Stocks vs Bonds
Quick Verdict
BND edges out VTI with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (10 vs 9.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Key Differences Between VTI and BND
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) is a u.s. total market fund managed by Vanguard. VTI gives you exposure to the entire U.S. stock market in one fund, covering large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. With over 3,600 holdings, it is one of the most diversified U.S. equity ETFs you can buy. Beginners often choose VTI over S&P 500 funds because it includes smaller companies that have historically provided additional growth potential.
BND (Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF) is a u.s. intermediate-term bond fund managed by Vanguard. BND provides exposure to the entire U.S. investment-grade bond market, including government, corporate, and mortgage-backed bonds. Bonds generally provide stability and income to a portfolio, acting as a cushion when stocks decline. Beginners often add BND to their portfolio to reduce overall volatility and provide steady income, with the typical rule of thumb being to hold your age in bonds as a percentage of your portfolio.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (3,644 vs 11,286), and 5-year returns (15.20% vs -0.50%).
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
VTI and BND share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VTI
Fee cost: $258
BND
Fee cost: $258
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose VTI if: You want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, beginners building a simple two-fund or three-fund portfolio, long-term investors who want small-cap exposure alongside large-caps. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Choose BND if: You want conservative investors who want portfolio stability and predictable income, investors approaching or in retirement who need to reduce portfolio volatility, anyone building a balanced stock-and-bond portfolio. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Can You Own Both VTI and BND?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, VTI and BND complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy VTI or BND?▾
BND edges out VTI with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (10 vs 9.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors. However, both are solid options. VTI is best for investors who want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, while BND is better suited for conservative investors who want portfolio stability and predictable income.
What is the difference between VTI and BND?▾
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) tracks u.s. total market investments with 3,644 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. BND (Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF) focuses on u.s. intermediate-term bond with 11,286 holdings at 0.03%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both VTI and BND?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, VTI and BND complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.