BSV vs XLK
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV has a lower expense ratio. XLK delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 3,205 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | XLK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $45.6B | $124.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.01% | 0.45% | |
| Holdings | 3,205 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | +0.84% | +32.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.75% | +42.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.61% | +32.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.65% | +20.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 23.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -82.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Dec 16, 1998 |
BSV vs XLK Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year BSV returned +2.75% while XLK returned +42.69%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.84% versus a gain of 32.00% for XLK.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.61% per year against +32.19% for XLK; over five years the annualized figures are +1.65% and +20.47% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, XLK has the edge at +9.52% annualized vs +0.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.2% 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 -82.0% for XLK. 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while XLK charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $8 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSV currently yields 4.01% against 0.45% for XLK.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and XLK share 0 holdings out of 633 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 XLK?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLK charges 0.08%. BSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or XLK?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.75% vs +42.69% for XLK, so XLK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.94% vs +9.52% for XLK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or XLK?
XLK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs XLK -82.0%.
Should I hold both BSV and XLK?
BSV and XLK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and XLK?
BSV and XLK share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 633 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or XLK?
BSV yields 4.01% while XLK yields 0.45%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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