AGG vs BNDC
iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF vs Northern Trust Core Bond ETF
Which is better, AGG or BNDC?
Nearly the same fund. AGG costs less.
AGG has a lower expense ratio. AGG led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGG | BNDC |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.38% |
| AUM | $137.6B | $165M |
| Dividend Yield | 4.19% | 4.33% |
| Holdings | 13,338 | 16 |
| YTD Return | -2.12%Best | -2.88% |
| 1Y Return | -2.06%Best | -2.81% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.55%Best | +4.23% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.53%Best | -0.95% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.2%Best | 5.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4%Best | -23.2% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,738Best | $9,534 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Northern Trust Asset Management |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Inception | Sep 22, 2003 | Nov 18, 2016 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight, Style.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 22, 2016 to Oct 14, 2026 (9.9 years).
AGG vs BNDC growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9.9 years both funds cover.
AGG vs BNDC Performance
iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Northern Trust Core Bond ETF (BNDC) is an ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management. Over the past year AGG returned -2.06% while BNDC returned -2.81%. Year to date, AGG is down 2.12% versus a loss of 2.88% for BNDC.
Over three years, AGG compounded at +4.55% per year against +4.23% for BNDC; over five years the annualized figures are -0.53% and -0.95% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, AGG has the edge at +1.50% annualized vs +0.12%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BNDC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.3% compared with 5.2% for AGG. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -18.4% for AGG and -23.2% for BNDC. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGG charges 0.03% per year while BNDC charges 0.38%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $38 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGG currently yields 4.19% against 4.33% for BNDC.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 11,115 holdings in AGG and 7 in BNDC, totalling 67.1% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 11,115 positions we hold weights for in AGG and 7 in BNDC, against full books of 13,338 and 16.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AGG and BNDC you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGG or BNDC?
AGG has an expense ratio of 0.03% while BNDC charges 0.38%. AGG is the cheaper option, by $35 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AGG or BNDC?
Over the past year AGG returned -2.06% vs -2.81% for BNDC, so AGG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), AGG annualized +1.50% vs +0.12% for BNDC. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AGG or BNDC?
BNDC has been the more volatile fund at 5.3% annualized versus 5.2% for AGG. Worst drawdown: AGG -18.4% vs BNDC -23.2%.
Should I hold both AGG and BNDC?
AGG and BNDC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGG or BNDC?
AGG yields 4.19% while BNDC yields 4.33%, so BNDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is BNDC better than AGG?
AGG has a lower expense ratio. AGG led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.