BIV vs VBK
BIV vs VBK
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
BIV has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. BIV offers more diversification with 2101 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | VBK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $29.3B | $24.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 0.57% | |
| Holdings | 2,321 | 561 | |
| YTD Return | -0.69% | +17.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.65% | +29.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +16.91% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.17% | +5.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 19.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
BIV vs VBK Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.65% while VBK returned +29.45%. Year to date, BIV is down 0.69% versus a gain of 17.71% for VBK.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.23% per year against +16.91% for VBK; over five years the annualized figures are -0.17% and +5.29% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +0.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -59.4% for VBK. 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 0.19. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while VBK charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIV currently yields 4.18% against 0.57% for VBK.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and VBK share 0 holdings out of 2643 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 VBK?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VBK charges 0.05%. BIV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or VBK?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.65% vs +29.45% for VBK, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BIV annualized +0.99% vs +9.41% for VBK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or VBK?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 5.7% for BIV. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VBK -59.4%.
Should I hold both BIV and VBK?
BIV and VBK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.19, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and VBK?
BIV and VBK share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2643 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VBK?
BIV yields 4.18% while VBK yields 0.57%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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