BNDX vs BSV
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV has a lower expense ratio. BSV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | BSV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $83.0B | $44.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.45% | 3.98% | |
| Holdings | 13,626 | 3,125 | |
| YTD Return | +0.29% | +0.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.03% | +2.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.09% | +4.37% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.07% | +1.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -9.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Apr 3, 2007 |
BNDX vs BSV Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned +1.03% while BSV returned +2.28%. Year to date, BNDX is up 0.29% versus a gain of 0.28% for BSV.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +4.09% per year against +4.37% for BSV; over five years the annualized figures are -0.07% and +1.58% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, BNDX has the edge at +1.07% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BNDX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.1% 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 -17.2% for BNDX 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDX charges 0.07% per year while BSV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDX currently yields 4.45% against 3.98% for BSV.
Holdings Overlap
BNDX and BSV share 0 holdings out of 4056 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, BNDX or BSV?
BNDX has an expense ratio of 0.07% while BSV charges 0.03%. BSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDX or BSV?
Over the past year BNDX returned +1.03% vs +2.28% for BSV, so BSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.07% vs +0.91% for BSV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDX or BSV?
BNDX has been the more volatile fund at 4.1% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BNDX -17.2% vs BSV -9.0%.
Should I hold both BNDX and BSV?
BNDX and BSV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDX and BSV?
BNDX and BSV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4056 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or BSV?
BNDX yields 4.45% while BSV yields 3.98%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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