The following is a list of the most popular bond funds frequently found in 401(k) plans. Most of these funds are either active funds with outstanding fixed-income managers or ultra-low-cost index funds:
1. PONAX (PIMCO INCOME FUND CLASS A)
2. DODIX (DODGE & COX INCOME FUND DODGE & COX INCOME FUND)
3. MWTRX (METROPOLITAN WEST TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND CLASS M)
4. PTTAX (TOTAL RETURN FUND A)
5. FTBFX (FIDELITY TOTAL BOND FUND FIDELITY TOTAL BOND FUND)
6. WOBDX (JPMORGAN CORE BOND FUND CLASS I)
7. WACPX (WESTERN ASSET CORE PLUS BOND FUND CLASS I)
8. VBMFX (VANGUARD TOTAL BOND MARKET INDEX FUND INVESTOR SHARES)
9. TLRAX (FEDERATED TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND CLASS A SHARES)
10. ABNDX (BOND FUND OF AMERICA CLASS A)
11. PTRQX (PRUDENTIAL TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND CLASS Q)
The following is a detailed discussion of some of the most popular bond funds commonly included in 401(k) plans. Each fund is noted for its unique strengths, whether in terms of active management, performance, or cost-efficiency:
1. PIMCO Income Fund Class A (PONAX)
The PIMCO Income Fund is a standout active fund, renowned for its disciplined management team led by PIMCO’s veteran fixed-income experts. The fund’s flexible mandate allows it to invest across a wide spectrum of global bonds, making it highly diversified. While the fees are higher than passive alternatives, its consistent track record of strong returns often justifies the cost for many investors. This fund’s past returns have outperformed all other total return bond funds by some big margins. Of course, these include the total bond market index fund such as Vanguard total bond market index fund. The fund’s managers were honored with the Morningstar Manager of the Year award.
2. Dodge & Cox Income Fund (DODIX)
DODIX is another active fund recognized for its value-driven approach to fixed income. Managed by a team with decades of experience, the fund emphasizes high-quality corporate bonds and agency mortgage-backed securities. It has delivered solid returns over the years while maintaining a reputation for low turnover and prudent risk management. Its moderate fees make it a compelling choice for 401(k) investors seeking active management without excessive costs. This fund, like its active well known stock value funds like Dodge & Cox Stock fund, has been in a steady hand. The fund’s managers were honored with the Morningstar Manager of the Year award.
3. Metropolitan West Total Return Bond Fund Class M (MWTRX)
MWTRX is an actively managed fund well-regarded for its focus on maximizing total return through a mix of high-quality fixed-income securities. Managed by an experienced team, it combines macroeconomic analysis with security selection to deliver competitive returns. While its fees are typical for actively managed funds, its performance has consistently outpaced its benchmark. The fund’s managers were honored with the Morningstar Manager of the Year award.
4. PIMCO Total Return Fund Class A (PTTAX)
As one of PIMCO’s flagship products, PTTAX is a highly respected active bond fund and it has had consistent outperfomance for a long period of time. It benefits from PIMCO’s extensive research capabilities and seasoned managers who focus on generating strong risk-adjusted returns. While its fees are on the higher end, its long-term performance and ability to navigate various market conditions have made it a staple in many 401(k) portfolios. The fund’s managers were honored with the Morningstar Manager of the Year award.
5. Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FTBFX)
FTBFX offers a diversified portfolio of U.S. and international bonds, including investment-grade, high-yield, and emerging market debt. This actively managed fund is noted for its strong returns relative to peers, driven by a robust team of fixed-income specialists. Fidelity’s competitive fee structure enhances its appeal for cost-conscious investors. The fund’s managers were honored with the Morningstar Manager of the Year award.
6. JPMorgan Core Bond Fund Class I (WOBDX)
WOBDX provides broad exposure to high-quality fixed-income securities. Managed by JPMorgan’s seasoned team, the fund aims to outperform its benchmark through active sector and security selection. While its fees are higher than those of index funds, its consistent performance and focus on capital preservation make it a reliable option for conservative investors.
7. Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund Class I (WACPX)
WACPX is an actively managed fund that combines traditional fixed-income securities with opportunistic investments in high-yield and emerging market bonds. Managed by Western Asset’s experienced team, it seeks to enhance returns while maintaining a risk-conscious approach. Its performance history supports its inclusion in many 401(k) plans despite slightly higher fees. The fund’s managers were honored with the Morningstar Manager of the Year award.
8. Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Investor Shares (VBMFX)
VBMFX is a hallmark of low-cost investing, providing broad exposure to the U.S. bond market. As an index fund, it offers minimal fees and a straightforward strategy, tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Its combination of simplicity, cost-efficiency, and reliable returns makes it a favorite among 401(k) investors. This is the most popular index bond fund.
9. Federated Total Return Bond Fund Class A Shares (TLRAX)
TLRAX is an actively managed fund focusing on delivering total return through a diversified portfolio of fixed-income securities. It emphasizes risk-adjusted returns, with managers leveraging Federated’s extensive research to identify opportunities. While its fees are moderate, the fund’s solid performance makes it a strong contender for 401(k) plans.
10. Bond Fund of America Class A (ABNDX)
ABNDX is a well-known active bond fund managed by American Funds. It provides exposure to a mix of government, corporate, and mortgage-backed securities, focusing on long-term capital preservation and income generation. The fund’s relatively low fees for an actively managed product enhance its attractiveness. American funds or Capital Group has had a long history of excellent investment track record.
11. Prudential Total Return Bond Fund Class Q (PTRQX)
PTRQX aims to maximize total return through a diversified fixed-income portfolio. Prudential’s experienced management team employs both top-down and bottom-up strategies to deliver consistent performance. With competitive fees, the fund is an appealing option for investors seeking active management in their 401(k) plans. The fund’s managers were honored with the Morningstar Manager of the Year award.
Each of these funds offers unique benefits, catering to diverse investor preferences and goals. Whether prioritizing low fees through index funds or seeking the expertise of top active managers, these bond funds represent solid choices for 401(k) participants.
Most of these funds are included as candidate options in MyPlanIQ’s total return bond fund model portfolios. You can track and implement these model portfolios in your brokerage IRA or taxable accounts. For more details, visit the Income & Savings > Income Portfolios page, where you’ll also find numerous newsletters discussing them.
Up to date returns
The latest total returns (dividend reinvested) of the most popular bond funds in 401(k) plans:
| Name | YTD Return | 1Yr AR | 3Yr AR | 5Yr AR | 10Yr AR | 15Yr AR | 20Yr AR | Inception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PONAX (PIMCO INCOME FUND CLASS A) | 0.19% | 5.89% | 3.80% | 3.87% | 3.61% | 5.87% | NA | 5.48% |
| DODIX (DODGE & COX INCOME FUND DODGE & COX INCOME FUND) | 0.65% | 5.71% | 2.18% | 0.29% | 1.99% | 3.04% | 3.75% | 2.94% |
| MWTRX (METROPOLITAN WEST TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND CLASS M) | 1.13% | 5.30% | 0.15% | -2.23% | 0.54% | 2.33% | 3.52% | 2.11% |
| PTTAX (PIMCO TOTAL RETURN FUND A) | 0.59% | 5.30% | 0.76% | -1.46% | 0.79% | 2.02% | 3.19% | 1.87% |
| FTBFX (FIDELITY TOTAL BOND FUND FIDELITY TOTAL BOND FUND) | 0.21% | 4.36% | 0.95% | -0.32% | 1.56% | 3.20% | 3.77% | 2.65% |
| WOBDX (JPMORGAN CORE BOND FUND CLASS I) | 1.09% | 5.75% | 1.23% | -0.78% | 1.30% | 2.34% | 3.17% | 2.17% |
| WACPX (WESTERN ASSET CORE PLUS BOND FUND CLASS I) | 0.44% | 3.77% | -0.61% | -2.07% | 1.11% | 2.73% | 3.46% | 2.55% |
| VBMFX (VANGUARD TOTAL BOND MARKET INDEX FUND INVESTOR SHARES) | 0.74% | 4.92% | 0.74% | -1.35% | 1.02% | 2.03% | 2.83% | 1.90% |
| TLRAX (FEDERATED TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND CLASS A SHARES) | 0.32% | 3.93% | -0.30% | -1.40% | 0.80% | 1.88% | 2.75% | 1.81% |
| ABNDX (BOND FUND OF AMERICA CLASS A) | 0.54% | 5.15% | 0.45% | -1.47% | 1.00% | 2.12% | 2.34% | 2.01% |
| PTRQX (PRUDENTIAL TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND CLASS Q) | 0.08% | 5.56% | 1.59% | 0.29% | 1.96% | NA | NA | 3.30% |
Recent Articles
- What Are Lazy Portfolios?
- IRAs as One of the Emergency Fund Sources
- How to Borrow From an IRA?
- Special Issue: Staying the Course Amid Market Turmoil
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Old 401(k) Account
- How Paying Credit Card Interest Often Hurts Your Credit Score
- The ABCs of Roth Conversions: Backdoor, Mega Backdoor, and More
- April 2025 MyPlanIQ Portfolio Update
- Paying Off Debt or Funding Retirement? How to Decide When Every Dollar Counts
Free newsletters
High quality resources for 401k, 403b, 529 retirement plans on investment, contribution, fees, retirement planning and much more ...
Puzzled on what to invest?
- We ask a few questions to decide your personal return and risk expectations
- We build a custom portfolio for your plan (401(k), 403(b), 529 ...) or for a brokerage account
- We monitor and send timely rebalance emails on what investment funds to buy and sell
Looking for ideas to generate income?
- ETF or mutual fund income portfolios for 4-7% annual income
- Dividend stock funds
- Passive real estate investments
- more ...
Portfolio Calculator (Simulator)
Customize Asset Allocation Portfolios
Retirement Calculator
Investment Calculator
Looking for a (forgotten) 401(k)?
Find plan contact info, plan expenses, investment options, rollover your old plan, or learn how to select investments on your 401k plan ...