BSV vs VTILX
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional
Quick Verdict
BSV has a lower expense ratio. BSV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VTILX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $142.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 4.12% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 7,391 | |
| YTD Return | +0.30% | -1.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.30% | -3.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.43% | -0.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.57% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -15.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Feb 17, 2021 |
BSV vs VTILX Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional (VTILX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.30% while VTILX returned -3.20%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.30% versus a loss of 1.15% for VTILX.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.43% per year against -0.40% for VTILX. Across the full 5-year window we track, BSV has the edge at +0.91% annualized vs -2.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTILX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.0% 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 -15.3% for VTILX. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VTILX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $7 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 4.12% for VTILX.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VTILX share 4 holdings out of 4242 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 VTILX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEK 4.125 06/14/28 | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00% |
| IFC 0.75 08/27/30 | 0.01% | 0.00% | 0.01% |
| AMT 3.55 07/15/27 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| TOYOTA 3.669 07/20/2 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VTILX?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTILX charges 0.07%. BSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VTILX?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.30% vs -3.20% for VTILX, so BSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs -2.86% for VTILX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VTILX?
VTILX has been the more volatile fund at 6.0% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VTILX -15.3%.
Should I hold both BSV and VTILX?
BSV and VTILX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VTILX?
BSV and VTILX share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4242 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VTILX?
BSV yields 3.98% while VTILX yields 4.12%, so VTILX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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