BSV vs VTEB
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VTEB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTEB offers more diversification with 3533 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VTEB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $46.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 3.34% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 9,952 | |
| YTD Return | +0.41% | +0.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +5.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +3.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.59% | +0.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 4.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -17.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Aug 21, 2015 |
BSV vs VTEB Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% while VTEB returned +5.15%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.41% versus a gain of 0.57% for VTEB.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.28% per year against +3.20% for VTEB; over five years the annualized figures are +1.59% and +0.58% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTEB has the edge at +1.27% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTEB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.9% 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 -17.0% for VTEB. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VTEB charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 3.34% for VTEB.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VTEB share 0 holdings out of 6320 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 VTEB?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTEB charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VTEB?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% vs +5.15% for VTEB, so VTEB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +1.27% for VTEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VTEB?
VTEB has been the more volatile fund at 4.9% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VTEB -17.0%.
Should I hold both BSV and VTEB?
BSV and VTEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VTEB?
BSV and VTEB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 6320 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VTEB?
BSV yields 3.98% while VTEB yields 3.34%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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