BSV vs EDV
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury 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 | BSV | EDV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $3.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 4.83% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 83 | |
| YTD Return | +0.41% | -4.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | -4.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | -4.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.59% | -12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 21.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -62.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Dec 6, 2007 |
BSV vs EDV Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% while EDV returned -4.35%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.41% versus a loss of 4.55% for EDV.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.28% per year against -4.75% for EDV; over five years the annualized figures are +1.59% and -12.33% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, BSV has the edge at +0.91% annualized vs -1.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -9.0% for BSV and -62.0% for EDV. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while EDV 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, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 4.83% for EDV.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and EDV share 0 holdings out of 2863 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, BSV or EDV?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while EDV charges 0.05%. BSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or EDV?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% vs -4.35% for EDV, so BSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs -1.42% for EDV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or EDV?
EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs EDV -62.0%.
Should I hold both BSV and EDV?
BSV and EDV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and EDV?
BSV and EDV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or EDV?
BSV yields 3.98% while EDV yields 4.83%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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