BNDX vs BSV
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF vs Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
Which is better, BNDX or BSV?
Long Term Mid Quality against Short Term Bond.
BSV has a lower expense ratio. BNDX led over the full window, BSV over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNDX | BSV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $82.7B | $45.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.58% | 4.01% |
| Holdings | 6,859 | 3,205 |
| YTD Return | -0.43% | -0.02%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.02% | +1.15%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.94% | +4.29%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.08% | +1.48%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 2.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -9.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,960 | $10,762Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Long Term Mid Quality | Short Term Bond |
| Inception | May 31, 2013 | Apr 3, 2007 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 4, 2013 to Sep 21, 2026 (13.3 years).
BNDX vs BSV growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 13.3 years both funds cover.
BNDX vs BSV Performance
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDX returned -0.02% while BSV returned +1.15%. Year to date, BNDX is down 0.43% versus a loss of 0.02% for BSV.
Over three years, BNDX compounded at +3.94% per year against +4.29% for BSV; over five years the annualized figures are -0.08% and +1.48% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, BNDX has the edge at +1.01% annualized vs +0.75%.
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 2.1% 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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 4.58% against 4.01% for BSV.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 943 holdings in BNDX and 1,013 in BSV, totalling 11.3% and 63.3% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 943 positions we hold weights for in BNDX and 1,013 in BSV, against full books of 6,859 and 3,205.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BNDX and BSV you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $4 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BNDX or BSV?
Over the past year BNDX returned -0.02% vs +1.15% for BSV, so BSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BNDX annualized +1.01% vs +0.75% for BSV. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BNDX or BSV?
BNDX has been the more volatile fund at 4.1% annualized versus 2.1% 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 their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDX or BSV?
BNDX yields 4.58% while BSV yields 4.01%, so BNDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is BSV better than BNDX?
BSV has a lower expense ratio. BNDX led over the full window, BSV over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.