BSV vs VIITX
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class
Quick Verdict
VIITX has a lower expense ratio. BSV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 3,205 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VIITX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $45.6B | - | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.01% | 4.59% | |
| Holdings | 3,205 | 2,599 | |
| YTD Return | +0.52% | -2.03% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.03% | -1.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.44% | +0.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.58% | -2.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 4.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -15.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Dec 1, 1997 |
BSV vs VIITX Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class (VIITX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.03% while VIITX returned -1.53%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.52% versus a loss of 2.03% for VIITX.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.44% per year against +0.51% for VIITX; over five years the annualized figures are +1.58% and -2.34% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BSV has the edge at +0.92% annualized vs -2.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIITX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.2% 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 -15.0% for VIITX. 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 0.96. 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 VIITX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $2 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSV currently yields 4.01% against 4.59% for VIITX.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VIITX share 61 holdings out of 1782 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BSV | Weight in VIITX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNC V5.582 06/12/29 | 0.03% | 0.20% | 0.17% |
| PM 5.125 11/17/27 | 0.02% | 0.19% | 0.17% |
| JPM V5.299 07/24/29 | 0.01% | 0.16% | 0.15% |
| PNC 2.55 01/22/30 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM V2.069 06/01/29 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC V5.244 01/24/31 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABIBB 3.5 06/01/30 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NOC 3.25 01/15/28 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PM 4.875 02/15/28 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SUMIBK 1.902 09/17/2 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VIITX?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VIITX charges 0.02%. VIITX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VIITX?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.03% vs -1.53% for VIITX, so BSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BSV annualized +0.92% vs -2.34% for VIITX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VIITX?
VIITX has been the more volatile fund at 4.2% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VIITX -15.0%.
Should I hold both BSV and VIITX?
BSV and VIITX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 VIITX?
BSV and VIITX share 61 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1782 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VIITX?
BSV yields 4.01% while VIITX yields 4.59%, so VIITX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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