Total bond vs Treasuries

BND vs VGIT historical comparison

Compare a total US bond fund against an intermediate Treasury fund across the same historical window.

Modeled result

From 2010 to 2025, BND finished ahead of VGIT before tax.

Change dates in Portfolio Backtest

Historical model

Growth of $10,000

2010-01-04 to 2025-12-31

Chart window

All history

Chart window

Pre-tax growth for BND and VGIT from 2010-01-04 to 2025-12-31. BND ends at $15,067; VGIT ends at $14,549.
HoldingEnding valueCAGRMax drawdown

BND

Total bond (BND)

$15,0672.60%-18.58%

VGIT

Treasuries (VGIT)

$14,5492.37%-16.05%
  • BND

    Total bond (BND)

    CAGR
    2.60%
    Max drawdown
    -18.58%
  • VGIT

    Treasuries (VGIT)

    CAGR
    2.37%
    Max drawdown
    -16.05%

Pre-tax results only. The state tax exemption on Treasury interest is not included in this comparison.

Detailed metrics

HoldingPre-tax valuePre-tax CAGRMax drawdown

Total bond (BND)

BND

$15,0672.60%-18.58%

Treasuries (VGIT)

VGIT

$14,5492.37%-16.05%

Assumptions

$10,000 lump sum; distributions reinvested; monthly rebalancing; 2010-01-04 to 2025-12-31.

FAQ

Why can Treasuries be more tax-friendly than total bond?

Interest from US Treasuries is exempt from state and local income tax. A total bond fund includes corporate bonds whose interest is fully taxable. A Treasury-only fund can therefore have a state-tax advantage for investors who owe state income tax.

Does account type change the bond comparison?

Yes. Bond interest counts as ordinary income each year in a taxable account. In an IRA or Roth there is no yearly tax on interest, so the state-tax distinction between the two funds does not apply.

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