BIV vs BND
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
Which is better, BIV or BND?
Each has led over a different period.
BIV led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, BND over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95.
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 | BIV | BND |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Tie | 0.03%Tie |
| AUM | $28.8B | $160.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.32% | 4.04% |
| Holdings | 2,336 | 17,437 |
| YTD Return | -2.22% | -1.23%Best |
| 1Y Return | -1.41% | -0.42%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.30%Best | +4.09% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.54%Best | -0.57% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 4.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -19.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,733Best | $9,718 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | - | Intermediate Term Bond |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Apr 3, 2007 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 10, 2007 to Sep 18, 2026 (19.4 years).
BIV vs BND 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 19.4 years both funds cover.
BIV vs BND Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned -1.41% while BND returned -0.42%. Year to date, BIV is down 2.22% versus a loss of 1.23% for BND.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.30% per year against +4.09% for BND; over five years the annualized figures are -0.54% and -0.57% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, BIV has the edge at +0.90% annualized vs +0.63%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.7% compared with 4.6% for BND. 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 -20.3% for BIV and -19.6% for BND. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while BND charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BIV currently yields 4.32% against 4.04% for BND.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 798 holdings in BIV and 16 in BND, totalling 60.9% and 1.5% 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 798 positions we hold weights for in BIV and 16 in BND, against full books of 2,336 and 17,437.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BIV and BND 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, BIV or BND?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while BND charges 0.03%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, BIV or BND?
Over the past year BIV returned -1.41% vs -0.42% for BND, so BND leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BIV annualized +0.90% vs +0.63% for BND. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BIV or BND?
BIV has been the more volatile fund at 5.7% annualized versus 4.6% for BND. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs BND -19.6%.
Should I hold both BIV and BND?
BIV and BND have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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, BIV or BND?
BIV yields 4.32% while BND yields 4.04%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is BND better than BIV?
BIV led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, BND over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.