BSV vs VGIT
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 3,205 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VGIT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $45.6B | $42.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.01% | 3.88% | |
| Holdings | 3,205 | 209 | |
| YTD Return | +0.88% | -0.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.39% | +1.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.61% | +4.11% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.67% | -0.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 4.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -17.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Nov 19, 2009 |
BSV vs VGIT Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.39% while VGIT returned +1.22%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.88% versus a loss of 0.22% for VGIT.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.61% per year against +4.11% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are +1.67% and -0.07% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, BSV has the edge at +0.94% annualized vs +0.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.3% 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 -17.2% for VGIT. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VGIT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BSV currently yields 4.01% against 3.88% for VGIT.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VGIT share 7 holdings out of 635 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BSV | Weight in VGIT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| T 4 02/28/30 | 0.88% | 1.67% | 0.79% |
| T 1.125 02/15/31 | 0.76% | 1.37% | 0.61% |
| T 0.625 05/15/30 | 0.55% | 1.14% | 0.59% |
| T 1.5 02/15/30 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 3.75 05/31/30 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 3.875 11/30/29 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 3.875 12/31/29 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VGIT?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGIT charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VGIT?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.39% vs +1.22% for VGIT, so BSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), BSV annualized +0.94% vs +0.78% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VGIT?
VGIT has been the more volatile fund at 4.3% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VGIT -17.2%.
Should I hold both BSV and VGIT?
BSV and VGIT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VGIT?
BSV and VGIT share 7 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 635 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VGIT?
BSV yields 4.01% while VGIT yields 3.88%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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