BSV vs VTI
BSV vs VTI
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.41% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.59% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
BSV vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.41% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.28% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.59% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VTI share 7 holdings out of 5563 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BSV | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMC | 0.03% | 0.11% | 0.08% |
| DUK | 0.00% | 0.14% | 0.14% |
| AFL | 0.01% | 0.07% | 0.06% |
| KDP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KVUE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BWA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings BSV shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VTI?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VTI?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BSV and VTI?
BSV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VTI?
BSV and VTI share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5563 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VTI?
BSV yields 3.98% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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