BIV vs VUG
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. BIV offers more diversification with 2101 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $29.3B | $223.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 2,321 | 155 | |
| YTD Return | -1.00% | +9.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.52% | +16.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.54% | +24.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.22% | +13.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
BIV vs VUG Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.52% while VUG returned +16.51%. Year to date, BIV is down 1.00% versus a gain of 9.57% for VUG.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.54% per year against +24.05% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are -0.22% and +13.00% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.25% annualized vs +0.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -51.4% for VUG. 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BIV currently yields 4.18% against 0.47% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and VUG share 1 holdings out of 2246 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 VUG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE | 0.01% | 0.55% | 0.54% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BIV or VUG?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VUG charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or VUG?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.52% vs +16.51% for VUG, so VUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BIV annualized +0.97% vs +11.25% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or VUG?
VUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 5.7% for BIV. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both BIV and VUG?
BIV and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and VUG?
BIV and VUG share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2246 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VUG?
BIV yields 4.18% while VUG yields 0.47%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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