BNDC vs MGOV
Northern Trust Core Bond ETF vs First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF
Which is better, BNDC or MGOV?
Nearly the same fund. BNDC costs less.
BNDC has a lower expense ratio. BNDC led over 1Y, MGOV over 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.99.
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 | BNDC | MGOV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38%Best | 0.50% |
| AUM | $165M | $97M |
| Dividend Yield | 4.33% | 5.00% |
| Holdings | 16 | 406 |
| YTD Return | -2.88% | -2.85%Best |
| 1Y Return | -2.81%Best | -3.14% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +4.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.95% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8%Best | 6.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -5.2%Best | -6.3% |
| $10,000 over 3.2 years | $11,037 | $11,133Best |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2016 | Aug 2, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight, Style.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 3, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.2 years).
BNDC vs MGOV 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 3.2 years both funds cover.
BNDC vs MGOV Performance
Northern Trust Core Bond ETF (BNDC) is an ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year BNDC returned -2.81% while MGOV returned -3.14%. Year to date, BNDC is down 2.88% versus a loss of 2.85% for MGOV.
Over three years, BNDC compounded at +4.23% per year against +4.89% for MGOV.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MGOV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.7% compared with 5.8% for BNDC. 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 -5.2% for BNDC and -6.3% for MGOV. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDC charges 0.38% per year while MGOV charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $50 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDC currently yields 4.33% against 5.00% for MGOV.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 7 holdings in BNDC and 10 in MGOV, totalling 99.2% and 10.2% 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 7 positions we hold weights for in BNDC and 10 in MGOV, against full books of 16 and 406.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BNDC and MGOV 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, BNDC or MGOV?
BNDC has an expense ratio of 0.38% while MGOV charges 0.50%. BNDC is the cheaper option, by $12 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BNDC or MGOV?
Over the past year BNDC returned -2.81% vs -3.14% for MGOV, so BNDC leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BNDC or MGOV?
MGOV has been the more volatile fund at 6.7% annualized versus 5.8% for BNDC. Worst drawdown: BNDC -5.2% vs MGOV -6.3%.
Should I hold both BNDC and MGOV?
BNDC and MGOV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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, BNDC or MGOV?
BNDC yields 4.33% while MGOV yields 5.00%, so MGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MGOV better than BNDC?
BNDC has a lower expense ratio. BNDC led over 1Y, MGOV over 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.99. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.