BIV vs VEA
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF
Which is better, BIV or VEA?
VEA has been ahead.
VEA led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | VEA |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Tie | 0.03%Tie |
| AUM | $28.8B | $230.3B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.32% | 2.49% |
| Holdings | 2,336 | 3,886 |
| YTD Return | -2.22% | +13.73%Best |
| 1Y Return | -1.41% | +21.98%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.30% | +19.84%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.54% | +10.22%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7%Best | 17.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3%Best | -62.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,733 | $16,267Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jul 20, 2007 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 26, 2007 to Sep 18, 2026 (19.1 years).
BIV vs VEA 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 19.1 years both funds cover.
BIV vs VEA Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned -1.41% while VEA returned +21.98%. Year to date, BIV is down 2.22% versus a gain of 13.73% for VEA.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.30% per year against +19.84% for VEA; over five years the annualized figures are -0.54% and +10.22% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VEA has the edge at +3.00% annualized vs +0.95%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -62.9% for VEA. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.32. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while VEA charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BIV currently yields 4.32% against 2.49% for VEA.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 798 holdings in BIV and 3,754 in VEA, totalling 60.9% and 94.2% 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 3,754 in VEA, against full books of 2,336 and 3,886.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BIV and VEA 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 VEA?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VEA charges 0.03%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, BIV or VEA?
Over the past year BIV returned -1.41% vs +21.98% for VEA, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BIV annualized +0.95% vs +3.00% for VEA. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BIV or VEA?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 5.7% for BIV. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VEA -62.9%.
Should I hold both BIV and VEA?
BIV and VEA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VEA?
BIV yields 4.32% while VEA yields 2.49%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VEA better than BIV?
VEA led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.