BSV vs VO
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VO delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $105.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 1.53% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 293 | |
| YTD Return | +0.41% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +18.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +15.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.59% | +8.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2004 |
BSV vs VO Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% while VO returned +18.00%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.41% versus a gain of 13.82% for VO.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.28% per year against +15.98% for VO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.59% and +8.06% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.21% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -60.3% for VO. 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 1.53% for VO.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VO share 4 holdings out of 3062 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BSV | Weight in VO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFL | 0.01% | 0.52% | 0.51% |
| KDP | 0.01% | 0.41% | 0.40% |
| KVUE | 0.01% | 0.35% | 0.34% |
| LEN 4.75 11/29/27 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VO?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VO charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VO?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% vs +18.00% for VO, so VO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +9.21% for VO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VO?
VO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VO -60.3%.
Should I hold both BSV and VO?
BSV and VO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VO?
BSV and VO share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3062 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VO?
BSV yields 3.98% while VO yields 1.53%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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