BSV vs VBR
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VBR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $36.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 2.23% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 853 | |
| YTD Return | +0.41% | +17.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +28.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +15.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.59% | +10.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -64.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
BSV vs VBR Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% while VBR returned +28.74%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.41% versus a gain of 17.75% for VBR.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.28% per year against +15.64% for VBR; over five years the annualized figures are +1.59% and +10.13% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VBR has the edge at +8.03% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -64.0% for VBR. 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 VBR 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 2.23% for VBR.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VBR share 3 holdings out of 3593 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 VBR?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VBR 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 VBR?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% vs +28.74% for VBR, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +8.03% for VBR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VBR?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VBR -64.0%.
Should I hold both BSV and VBR?
BSV and VBR 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 VBR?
BSV and VBR share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3593 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VBR?
BSV yields 3.98% while VBR yields 2.23%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.