BSV vs EDV
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF
Which is better, BSV or EDV?
Short Term Bond against Long Term Government Bond.
BSV has a lower expense ratio. BSV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | BSV | EDV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.05% |
| AUM | $45.6B | $3.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.01% | 5.42% |
| Holdings | 3,205 | 83 |
| YTD Return | -0.08%Best | -5.68% |
| 1Y Return | +1.05%Best | -8.12% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.27%Best | -3.49% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.47%Best | -13.17% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4%Best | 21.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0%Best | -62.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,757Best | $4,936 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Short Term Bond | Long Term Government Bond |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Dec 6, 2007 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 13, 2007 to Sep 18, 2026 (18.8 years).
BSV vs EDV 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 18.8 years both funds cover.
BSV vs EDV Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +1.05% while EDV returned -8.12%. Year to date, BSV is down 0.08% versus a loss of 5.68% for EDV.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.27% per year against -3.49% for EDV; over five years the annualized figures are +1.47% and -13.17% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, BSV has the edge at +0.77% annualized vs -1.47%.
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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.61. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
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 4.01% against 5.42% for EDV.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BSV and EDV 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, BSV or EDV?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while EDV charges 0.05%. BSV is the cheaper option, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BSV or EDV?
Over the past year BSV returned +1.05% vs -8.12% for EDV, so BSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.77% vs -1.47% for EDV. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
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 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, BSV or EDV?
BSV yields 4.01% while EDV yields 5.42%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is EDV better than BSV?
BSV has a lower expense ratio. BSV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.