BSV vs VB
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VB delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 3,205 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $45.6B | $79.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.01% | 1.22% | |
| Holdings | 3,205 | 1,311 | |
| YTD Return | +0.88% | +17.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.39% | +21.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.61% | +17.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.67% | +7.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 18.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -61.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
BSV vs VB Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (VB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.39% while VB returned +21.90%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.88% versus a gain of 17.13% for VB.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.61% per year against +17.26% for VB; over five years the annualized figures are +1.67% and +7.59% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VB has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +0.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% 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 -61.0% for VB. 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VB charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BSV currently yields 4.01% against 1.22% for VB.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VB share 1 holdings out of 1858 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BSV | Weight in VB | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BWA | 0.00% | 0.15% | 0.15% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VB?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VB charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VB?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.39% vs +21.90% for VB, so VB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.94% vs +8.81% for VB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VB?
VB has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VB -61.0%.
Should I hold both BSV and VB?
BSV and VB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VB?
BSV and VB share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1858 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VB?
BSV yields 4.01% while VB yields 1.22%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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