BSV vs VOO
BSV vs VOO
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.41% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.59% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BSV vs VOO Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.41% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.28% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.59% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VOO share 4 holdings out of 3288 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VOO?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOO charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VOO?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BSV and VOO?
BSV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VOO?
BSV and VOO share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3288 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VOO?
BSV yields 3.98% while VOO yields 1.09%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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