BIV vs VWO
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
BIV has a lower expense ratio. VWO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWO offers more diversification with 6,334 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | VWO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $28.8B | $122.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.28% | 2.39% | |
| Holdings | 2,336 | 6,334 | |
| YTD Return | -0.43% | +9.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.99% | +20.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.80% | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.21% | +6.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -68.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Mar 4, 2005 |
BIV vs VWO Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.99% while VWO returned +20.45%. Year to date, BIV is down 0.43% versus a gain of 9.56% for VWO.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.80% per year against +17.86% for VWO; over five years the annualized figures are -0.21% and +6.63% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VWO has the edge at +4.96% annualized vs +1.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -68.3% for VWO. 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while VWO charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIV currently yields 4.28% against 2.39% for VWO.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and VWO share 0 holdings out of 4266 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 VWO?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWO charges 0.06%. BIV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or VWO?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.99% vs +20.45% for VWO, so VWO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BIV annualized +1.00% vs +4.96% for VWO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or VWO?
VWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 5.7% for BIV. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VWO -68.3%.
Should I hold both BIV and VWO?
BIV and VWO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and VWO?
BIV and VWO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4266 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VWO?
BIV yields 4.28% while VWO yields 2.39%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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