BSV vs VOT
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV has a lower expense ratio. VOT delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | +0.28% | +8.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.28% | +8.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.37% | +15.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.58% | +5.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Aug 17, 2006 |
BSV vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.28% while VOT returned +8.14%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.28% versus a gain of 8.89% for VOT.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.37% per year against +15.33% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +1.58% and +5.51% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.60% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 VOT. 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VOT share 0 holdings out of 2908 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VOT?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOT charges 0.05%. BSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VOT?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.28% vs +8.14% for VOT, so VOT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +9.60% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both BSV and VOT?
BSV and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VOT?
BSV and VOT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2908 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VOT?
BSV yields 3.98% while VOT yields 0.65%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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