BSV vs VGIT
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Which is better, BSV or VGIT?
Each has led over a different period.
BSV led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VGIT over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VGIT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Tie | 0.03%Tie |
| AUM | $45.6B | $50.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.01% | 3.90% |
| Holdings | 3,205 | 106 |
| YTD Return | +0.07%Best | -1.68% |
| 1Y Return | +1.14%Best | -0.98% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28%Best | +3.67% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.51%Best | -0.30% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.0%Best | 4.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0%Best | -17.2% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,778Best | $9,851 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Short Term Bond | - |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Nov 19, 2009 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 23, 2009 to Sep 17, 2026 (16.8 years).
BSV vs VGIT growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 16.8 years both funds cover.
BSV vs VGIT Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +1.14% while VGIT returned -0.98%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.07% versus a loss of 1.68% for VGIT.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.28% per year against +3.67% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are +1.51% and -0.30% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VGIT has the edge at +0.68% annualized vs +0.62%.
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 2.0% 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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 3.90% for VGIT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BSV and VGIT you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VGIT?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGIT charges 0.03%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, BSV or VGIT?
Over the past year BSV returned +1.14% vs -0.98% for VGIT, so BSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), BSV annualized +0.62% vs +0.68% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BSV or VGIT?
VGIT has been the more volatile fund at 4.3% annualized versus 2.0% 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. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VGIT?
BSV yields 4.01% while VGIT yields 3.90%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VGIT better than BSV?
BSV led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VGIT over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.