BIV vs VTILX
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional
Quick Verdict
BIV has a lower expense ratio. BIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BIV offers more diversification with 2101 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | VTILX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $29.3B | $142.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 4.12% | |
| Holdings | 2,321 | 7,391 | |
| YTD Return | -0.60% | -1.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.50% | -2.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.67% | -0.32% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -15.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Feb 17, 2021 |
BIV vs VTILX Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional (VTILX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.50% while VTILX returned -2.87%. Year to date, BIV is down 0.60% versus a loss of 1.04% for VTILX.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.67% per year against -0.32% for VTILX. Across the full 5-year window we track, BIV has the edge at +1.00% annualized vs -2.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTILX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.0% 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 -15.3% for VTILX. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while VTILX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $7 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIV currently yields 4.18% against 4.12% for VTILX.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and VTILX share 3 holdings out of 3557 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BIV | Weight in VTILX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSTP 2.15 06/03/31 | 0.02% | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| MUFG V5.406 04/19/34 | 0.02% | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| ORIX 2.25 03/09/31 | 0.01% | 0.00% | 0.01% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BIV or VTILX?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTILX charges 0.07%. BIV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or VTILX?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.50% vs -2.87% for VTILX, so BIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BIV annualized +1.00% vs -2.84% for VTILX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or VTILX?
VTILX has been the more volatile fund at 6.0% annualized versus 5.7% for BIV. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VTILX -15.3%.
Should I hold both BIV and VTILX?
BIV and VTILX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and VTILX?
BIV and VTILX share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VTILX?
BIV yields 4.18% while VTILX yields 4.12%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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