BIV vs VXUS
BIV vs VXUS
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
BIV has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $29.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 2,321 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.69% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.65% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.17% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BIV vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIV returned +1.65% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BIV is down 0.69% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BIV compounded at +4.23% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.17% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIV charges 0.03% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIV currently yields 4.18% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BIV and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 9962 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 VXUS?
BIV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. BIV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIV or VXUS?
Over the past year BIV returned +1.65% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BIV annualized +0.99% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.7% for BIV. Worst drawdown: BIV -20.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BIV and VXUS?
BIV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIV and VXUS?
BIV and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9962 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIV or VXUS?
BIV yields 4.18% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.