BIV vs VTI
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $29.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2,321 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.60% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.50% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.67% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.21% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
BIV vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.50% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, BIV is down 0.60% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.67% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.21% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +1.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BIV currently yields 4.18% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and VTI share 4 holdings out of 4880 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 VTI?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or VTI?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.50% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BIV annualized +1.00% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 5.7% for BIV. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BIV and VTI?
BIV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and VTI?
BIV and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4880 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VTI?
BIV yields 4.18% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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