BIV vs BSV
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 3,205 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | BSV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $28.8B | $45.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.28% | 4.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,336 | 3,205 | |
| YTD Return | -0.75% | +0.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.25% | +2.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.47% | +4.42% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.26% | +1.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -9.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Apr 3, 2007 |
BIV vs BSV Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.25% while BSV returned +2.19%. Year to date, BIV is down 0.75% versus a gain of 0.68% for BSV.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.47% per year against +4.42% for BSV; over five years the annualized figures are -0.26% and +1.61% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, BIV has the edge at +0.98% annualized vs +0.92%. 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 2.4% for BSV. 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 -9.0% for BSV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.91. 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 BSV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BIV currently yields 4.28% against 4.01% for BSV.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and BSV share 11 holdings out of 829 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BIV | Weight in BSV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KVUE | 0.02% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| PEP 1.95 10/21/31 | 0.02% | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| HLEND | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00% |
| CVS 1.875 02/28/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CNP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TOYOTA 1.9 09/12/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HNDA 4.85 10/23/31 G | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| STZ 2.25 08/01/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT 1.8 09/22/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EA 1.85 02/15/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BIV or BSV?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while BSV charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or BSV?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.25% vs +2.19% for BSV, so BSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BIV annualized +0.98% vs +0.92% for BSV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or BSV?
BIV has been the more volatile fund at 5.7% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs BSV -9.0%.
Should I hold both BIV and BSV?
BIV and BSV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and BSV?
BIV and BSV share 11 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 829 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or BSV?
BIV yields 4.28% while BSV yields 4.01%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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