BSV vs VYM
BSV vs VYM
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
BSV has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. BSV offers more diversification with 2787 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $44.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3,125 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.40% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.33% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.31% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.55% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BSV vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSV returned +2.33% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, BSV is up 0.40% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, BSV compounded at +4.31% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.55% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSV charges 0.03% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSV currently yields 3.98% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BSV and VYM share 7 holdings out of 3338 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 VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUK | 0.00% | 0.45% | 0.45% |
| AFL | 0.01% | 0.24% | 0.23% |
| KDP | 0.01% | 0.17% | 0.16% |
| KVUE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BWA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings BSV shares with VYM 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 VYM?
BSV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. BSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSV or VYM?
Over the past year BSV returned +2.33% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BSV annualized +0.91% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.4% for BSV. Worst drawdown: BSV -9.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BSV and VYM?
BSV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSV and VYM?
BSV and VYM share 7 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3338 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VYM?
BSV yields 3.98% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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