BND vs BSV
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF vs Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BND offers more diversification with 17,437 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BND | BSV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $160.9B | $45.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.02% | 4.01% | |
| Holdings | 17,437 | 3,205 | |
| YTD Return | -0.04% | +0.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.81% | +2.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.14% | +4.42% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.32% | +1.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -9.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Apr 3, 2007 |
BND vs BSV Performance
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BND returned +1.81% while BSV returned +2.17%. Year to date, BND is down 0.04% versus a gain of 0.66% for BSV.
Over three years, BND compounded at +4.14% per year against +4.42% for BSV; over five years the annualized figures are -0.32% and +1.61% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, BSV has the edge at +0.92% annualized vs +0.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.6% compared with 2.4% for BSV. 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 -19.6% for BND and -9.0% for BSV. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BND charges 0.03% per year while BSV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BND currently yields 4.02% against 4.01% for BSV.
Holdings Overlap
BND and BSV share 500 holdings out of 1240 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BND | Weight in BSV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| T 4 02/28/30 | 0.34% | 0.88% | 0.54% |
| T 1.125 02/15/31 | 0.31% | 0.76% | 0.45% |
| T 3.75 04/30/27 | 0.20% | 0.68% | 0.48% |
| T 0.625 05/15/30 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 3.875 10/15/27 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 2.875 08/15/28 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 1.375 12/31/28 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 3.875 11/30/27 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 3.75 04/15/28 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 1.25 06/30/28 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BND or BSV?
BND has an expense ratio of 0.03% while BSV charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BND or BSV?
Over the past year BND returned +1.81% vs +2.17% for BSV, so BSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BND annualized +0.70% vs +0.92% for BSV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BND or BSV?
BND has been the more volatile fund at 4.6% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BND -19.6% vs BSV -9.0%.
Should I hold both BND and BSV?
BND and BSV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BND and BSV?
BND and BSV share 500 common holdings with a 5.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1240 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BND or BSV?
BND yields 4.02% while BSV yields 4.01%, so BND 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.