BLV vs VOO
Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. BLV offers more diversification with 2765 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BLV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.72% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,941 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -2.87% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.77% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.93% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.85% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BLV vs VOO Performance
Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BLV returned -0.77% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, BLV is down 2.87% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, BLV compounded at +1.93% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -4.85% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +0.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 11.0% for BLV. 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 -40.7% for BLV and -34.3% for VOO. 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
BLV charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BLV currently yields 4.72% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BLV and VOO share 3 holdings out of 3267 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 BLV | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LRCX | 0.01% | 0.84% | 0.83% |
| DUK | 0.01% | 0.15% | 0.14% |
| MMC 4.75 03/15/39 | 0.01% | 0.12% | 0.11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BLV or VOO?
BLV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOO charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLV or VOO?
Over the past year BLV returned -0.77% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BLV annualized +0.50% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLV or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 11.0% for BLV. Worst drawdown: BLV -40.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BLV and VOO?
BLV and VOO 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 BLV and VOO?
BLV and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3267 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLV or VOO?
BLV yields 4.72% while VOO yields 1.09%, so BLV 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.