BSV vs RSP
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV has a lower expense ratio. RSP delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | RSP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $97.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 1.51% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 510 | |
| YTD Return | +0.30% | +15.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.30% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.43% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.57% | +9.08% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -60.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Apr 24, 2003 |
BSV vs RSP Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.30% while RSP returned +22.62%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.30% versus a gain of 15.12% for RSP.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.43% per year against +15.08% for RSP; over five years the annualized figures are +1.57% and +9.08% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, RSP has the edge at +10.10% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RSP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -60.9% for RSP. 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while RSP charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $20 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 1.51% for RSP.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and RSP share 3 holdings out of 3217 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or RSP?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RSP charges 0.20%. BSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or RSP?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.30% vs +22.62% for RSP, so RSP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +10.10% for RSP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or RSP?
RSP has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs RSP -60.9%.
Should I hold both BSV and RSP?
BSV and RSP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and RSP?
BSV and RSP share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3217 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or RSP?
BSV yields 3.98% while RSP yields 1.51%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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