BIV vs VTIP

Quick Verdict

VTIP delivered stronger 1-year returns. BIV offers more diversification with 2101 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: VTIPMore Diversified: BIV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBIVVTIPWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.03%
AUM$29.3B$19.3B
Dividend Yield4.18%3.60%
Holdings2,32127
YTD Return-0.69%+1.87%
1Y Return+1.65%+3.01%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.23%+5.37%
5Y Return (annualized)-0.17%+3.39%
Volatility (annualized)5.7%2.4%
Max Drawdown-20.3%-7.1%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeFixed Income
InceptionApr 3, 2007Oct 12, 2012

BIV vs VTIP Performance

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (VTIP) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.65% while VTIP returned +3.01%. Year to date, BIV is down 0.69% versus a gain of 1.87% for VTIP.

Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.23% per year against +5.37% for VTIP; over five years the annualized figures are -0.17% and +3.39% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTIP has the edge at +1.58% annualized vs +0.99%. 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 2.4% for VTIP. 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 -7.1% for VTIP. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BIV charges 0.03% per year while VTIP charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BIV currently yields 4.18% against 3.60% for VTIP.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BIV and VTIP share 0 holdings out of 2124 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BIV or VTIP?

BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTIP charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BIV or VTIP?

Over the past year BIV returned +1.65% vs +3.01% for VTIP, so VTIP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), BIV annualized +0.99% vs +1.58% for VTIP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BIV or VTIP?

BIV has been the more volatile fund at 5.7% annualized versus 2.4% for VTIP. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VTIP -7.1%.

Should I hold both BIV and VTIP?

BIV and VTIP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BIV and VTIP?

BIV and VTIP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2124 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VTIP?

BIV yields 4.18% while VTIP yields 3.60%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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