BIV vs SPDW
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDW offers more diversification with 2348 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | SPDW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $29.3B | $40.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 3.02% | |
| Holdings | 2,321 | 2,440 | |
| YTD Return | -1.00% | +16.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.52% | +29.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.54% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.22% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 17.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -62.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Apr 20, 2007 |
BIV vs SPDW Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year BIV returned +1.52% while SPDW returned +29.61%. Year to date, BIV is down 1.00% versus a gain of 16.26% for SPDW.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.54% per year against +19.85% for SPDW; over five years the annualized figures are -0.22% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPDW has the edge at +3.15% annualized vs +0.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPDW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% compared with 5.7% for BIV. 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 -62.2% for SPDW. 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while SPDW charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BIV currently yields 4.18% against 3.02% for SPDW.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and SPDW share 0 holdings out of 4449 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BIV or SPDW?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPDW charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or SPDW?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.52% vs +29.61% for SPDW, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BIV annualized +0.97% vs +3.15% for SPDW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or SPDW?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 5.7% for BIV. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs SPDW -62.2%.
Should I hold both BIV and SPDW?
BIV and SPDW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and SPDW?
BIV and SPDW share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4449 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or SPDW?
BIV yields 4.18% while SPDW yields 3.02%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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