BSV vs VGSH
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
VGSH delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VGSH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $29.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 3.87% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 94 | |
| YTD Return | +0.30% | +0.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.30% | +2.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.43% | +4.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.57% | +1.87% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 1.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -6.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Nov 19, 2009 |
BSV vs VGSH Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.30% while VGSH returned +2.56%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.30% versus a gain of 0.65% for VGSH.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.43% per year against +4.25% for VGSH; over five years the annualized figures are +1.57% and +1.87% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, BSV has the edge at +0.91% annualized vs +0.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BSV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 2.4% compared with 1.4% for VGSH. 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 -6.7% for VGSH. 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 VGSH charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 3.87% for VGSH.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VGSH share 75 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BSV | Weight in VGSH | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| T 3.5 01/31/28 | 0.38% | 2.25% | 1.87% |
| T 3.875 07/31/27 | 0.73% | 1.36% | 0.63% |
| T 4.625 04/30/29 | 0.65% | 1.41% | 0.76% |
| T 4.375 07/15/27 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 4.625 06/15/27 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 3.75 08/15/27 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 4.125 03/31/29 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 4.25 02/28/29 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 4.5 05/15/27 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 2.875 08/15/28 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VGSH?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGSH charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VGSH?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.30% vs +2.56% for VGSH, so VGSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +0.71% for VGSH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VGSH?
BSV has been the more volatile fund at 2.4% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VGSH -6.7%.
Should I hold both BSV and VGSH?
BSV and VGSH 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 VGSH?
BSV and VGSH share 75 common holdings with a 34.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VGSH?
BSV yields 3.98% while VGSH yields 3.87%, 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.