BIV vs VT
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
BIV has a lower expense ratio. VT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $29.3B | $77.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 1.61% | |
| Holdings | 2,321 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | -0.69% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.65% | +25.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +20.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.17% | +11.17% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jun 24, 2008 |
BIV vs VT Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.65% while VT returned +25.25%. Year to date, BIV is down 0.69% versus a gain of 14.19% for VT.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.23% per year against +20.36% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are -0.17% and +11.17% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VT has the edge at +7.37% annualized vs +0.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -50.6% for VT. 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while VT charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIV currently yields 4.18% against 1.61% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and VT share 4 holdings out of 11024 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BIV or VT?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VT charges 0.06%. BIV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or VT?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.65% vs +25.25% for VT, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), BIV annualized +0.99% vs +7.37% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or VT?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 5.7% for BIV. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both BIV and VT?
BIV and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and VT?
BIV and VT share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 11024 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VT?
BIV yields 4.18% while VT yields 1.61%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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