BIV vs VWIUX
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
BIV has a lower expense ratio. BIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $28.8B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.28% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 2,336 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | -0.66% | -1.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.97% | +0.97% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.94% | +0.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.25% | -1.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Feb 12, 2001 |
BIV vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.97% while VWIUX returned +0.97%. Year to date, BIV is down 0.66% versus a loss of 1.67% for VWIUX.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.94% per year against +0.65% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are -0.25% and -1.79% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BIV has the edge at +0.99% annualized vs -1.79%. 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 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIV currently yields 4.28% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 2045 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 VWIUX?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. BIV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or VWIUX?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.97% vs +0.97% for VWIUX, so BIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BIV annualized +0.99% vs -1.79% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or VWIUX?
BIV has been the more volatile fund at 5.7% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both BIV and VWIUX?
BIV and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and VWIUX?
BIV and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2045 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VWIUX?
BIV yields 4.28% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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