BSV vs VWIUX
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
BSV has a lower expense ratio. BSV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $86.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 3.05% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +0.58% | -1.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.35% | +1.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.52% | +0.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.61% | -1.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Feb 12, 2001 |
BSV vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.35% while VWIUX returned +1.26%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.58% versus a loss of 1.23% for VWIUX.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.52% per year against +0.57% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +1.61% and -1.72% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BSV has the edge at +0.92% annualized vs -1.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWIUX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.4% 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 3.05% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 4550 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 VWIUX?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. BSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VWIUX?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.35% vs +1.26% for VWIUX, so BSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BSV annualized +0.92% vs -1.72% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VWIUX?
VWIUX has been the more volatile fund at 5.4% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both BSV and VWIUX?
BSV and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VWIUX?
BSV and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4550 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VWIUX?
BSV yields 3.98% while VWIUX yields 3.05%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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