BIV vs VCSH
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VCSH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCSH offers more diversification with 3,023 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | VCSH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $28.8B | $45.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.28% | 4.46% | |
| Holdings | 2,336 | 3,023 | |
| YTD Return | -1.01% | +0.90% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.99% | +2.72% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.57% | +5.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.33% | +2.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 2.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -12.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Nov 19, 2009 |
BIV vs VCSH Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +0.99% while VCSH returned +2.72%. Year to date, BIV is down 1.01% versus a gain of 0.90% for VCSH.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.57% per year against +5.53% for VCSH; over five years the annualized figures are -0.33% and +2.31% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VCSH has the edge at +1.29% annualized vs +0.97%. 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 2.5% for VCSH. 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 -12.9% for VCSH. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while VCSH charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BIV currently yields 4.28% against 4.46% for VCSH.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and VCSH share 10 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 VCSH | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVS 1.875 02/28/31 | 0.01% | 0.05% | 0.04% |
| WMT 1.8 09/22/31 | 0.01% | 0.04% | 0.03% |
| HLEND | 0.01% | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| STZ 2.25 08/01/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNP 2.375 05/20/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HNDA 4.85 10/23/31 G | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TOYOTA 1.9 09/12/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG 2.75 05/14/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CNP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EA 1.85 02/15/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BIV or VCSH?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VCSH charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or VCSH?
Over the past year BIV returned +0.99% vs +2.72% for VCSH, so VCSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), BIV annualized +0.97% vs +1.29% for VCSH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or VCSH?
BIV has been the more volatile fund at 5.7% annualized versus 2.5% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VCSH -12.9%.
Should I hold both BIV and VCSH?
BIV and VCSH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and VCSH?
BIV and VCSH share 10 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 829 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VCSH?
BIV yields 4.28% while VCSH yields 4.46%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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