BSV vs VBK
BSV vs VBK
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VBK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $24.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 0.57% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 561 | |
| YTD Return | +0.41% | +17.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +29.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +16.91% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.59% | +5.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 19.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
BSV vs VBK Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% while VBK returned +29.45%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.41% versus a gain of 17.71% for VBK.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.28% per year against +16.91% for VBK; over five years the annualized figures are +1.59% and +5.29% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -59.4% for VBK. 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 VBK 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 0.57% for VBK.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VBK share 0 holdings out of 3329 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 VBK?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VBK 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 VBK?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% vs +29.45% for VBK, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +9.41% for VBK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VBK?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VBK -59.4%.
Should I hold both BSV and VBK?
BSV and VBK 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 VBK?
BSV and VBK share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3329 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VBK?
BSV yields 3.98% while VBK yields 0.57%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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