BSV vs VIG
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV has a lower expense ratio. VIG delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $110.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 1.79% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 335 | |
| YTD Return | +0.28% | +12.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.28% | +20.84% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.37% | +16.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.58% | +10.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 13.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -48.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Apr 21, 2006 |
BSV vs VIG Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.28% while VIG returned +20.84%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.28% versus a gain of 12.33% for VIG.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.37% per year against +16.69% for VIG; over five years the annualized figures are +1.58% and +10.89% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.70% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.3% 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 -48.2% for VIG. 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VIG charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 1.79% for VIG.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VIG?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VIG charges 0.04%. BSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VIG?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.28% vs +20.84% for VIG, so VIG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +8.70% for VIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VIG?
VIG has been the more volatile fund at 13.3% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VIG -48.2%.
Should I hold both BSV and VIG?
BSV and VIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VIG?
BSV and VIG share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3116 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VIG?
BSV yields 3.98% while VIG yields 1.79%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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