BSV vs VXUS
BSV vs VXUS
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.41% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.59% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BSV vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.41% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.28% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.59% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 10647 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 VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOGG3:BV | 0.01% | 0.00% | 0.01% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSV or VXUS?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. BSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VXUS?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.34% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BSV and VXUS?
BSV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VXUS?
BSV and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 10647 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VXUS?
BSV yields 3.98% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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