BIV vs VGIT
BIV vs VGIT
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
BIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BIV offers more diversification with 2101 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | VGIT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $29.3B | $42.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 3.84% | |
| Holdings | 2,321 | 106 | |
| YTD Return | -0.69% | -0.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.65% | +1.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +3.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.17% | -0.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 4.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -17.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Nov 19, 2009 |
BIV vs VGIT Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.65% while VGIT returned +1.32%. Year to date, BIV is down 0.69% versus a loss of 0.62% for VGIT.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.23% per year against +3.60% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are -0.17% and -0.12% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, BIV has the edge at +0.99% annualized vs +0.75%. 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 4.3% for VGIT. 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 -17.2% for VGIT. 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 0.93. 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 VGIT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BIV currently yields 4.18% against 3.84% for VGIT.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and VGIT share 40 holdings out of 2145 unique holdings combined, representing a 44.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BIV | Weight in VGIT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| T 4 02/15/34 | 2.37% | 1.90% | 0.47% |
| T 4.375 05/15/34 | 2.26% | 1.95% | 0.31% |
| T 4.5 11/15/33 | 2.26% | 1.87% | 0.39% |
| T 4.25 08/15/35 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 4.25 05/15/35 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 4.625 02/15/35 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 3.875 08/15/34 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 4.25 11/15/34 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 3.875 08/15/33 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 1.25 08/15/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BIV shares with VGIT Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BIV or VGIT?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGIT charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or VGIT?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.65% vs +1.32% for VGIT, so BIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), BIV annualized +0.99% vs +0.75% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or VGIT?
BIV has been the more volatile fund at 5.7% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VGIT -17.2%.
Should I hold both BIV and VGIT?
BIV and VGIT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 VGIT?
BIV and VGIT share 40 common holdings with a 44.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2145 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VGIT?
BIV yields 4.18% while VGIT yields 3.84%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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