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BIV vs. VGSH

Last updated Jun 3, 2023

Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH).

BIV and VGSH are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. BIV is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the Barclays U.S. 5. It was launched on Apr 3, 2007. VGSH is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the Barclays U.S. 1-3 Year Government Float Adjusted Index. It was launched on Nov 19, 2009. Both BIV and VGSH are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.

Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: BIV or VGSH.

Key characteristics


BIVVGSH
YTD Return2.91%1.39%
1Y Return-1.41%0.07%
5Y Return (Ann)1.56%0.99%
10Y Return (Ann)1.75%0.72%
Sharpe Ratio-0.130.04
Daily Std Dev8.90%2.96%
Max Drawdown-18.95%-5.70%

Correlation

0.66
-1.001.00

The correlation between BIV and VGSH is 0.66, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.

BIV vs. VGSH - Performance Comparison

In the year-to-date period, BIV achieves a 2.91% return, which is significantly higher than VGSH's 1.39% return. Over the past 10 years, BIV has outperformed VGSH with an annualized return of 1.75%, while VGSH has yielded a comparatively lower 0.72% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.


-2.00%-1.00%0.00%1.00%2.00%3.00%4.00%2023FebruaryMarchAprilMayJune
1.60%
1.61%
BIV
VGSH

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs


Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF

BIV vs. VGSH - Dividend Comparison

BIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.56%, more than VGSH's 2.33% yield.


TTM20222021202020192018201720162015201420132012
BIV
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF
3.56%2.44%3.54%3.16%3.03%3.26%3.14%2.86%3.71%5.01%5.54%6.88%
VGSH
Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF
2.33%1.16%0.68%1.80%2.39%1.92%1.20%0.91%0.79%0.51%0.38%0.59%

BIV vs. VGSH - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BIV and VGSH have an expense ratio of 0.04%.

BIV vs. VGSH - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) and Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.


Sharpe ratioSortino ratioOmega ratioCalmar ratioUlcer Index
BIV
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF
-0.13
VGSH
Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF
0.04

BIV vs. VGSH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BIV Sharpe Ratio is -0.13, which is lower than the VGSH Sharpe Ratio of 0.04. The chart below compares the 12-month rolling Sharpe Ratio of BIV and VGSH.


-2.00-1.50-1.00-0.500.000.502023FebruaryMarchAprilMayJune
-0.13
0.04
BIV
VGSH

BIV vs. VGSH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BIV drawdown for the period was -15.83%, lower than the maximum VGSH drawdown of -5.02%. The drawdown chart below compares losses from any high point along the way for BIV and VGSH


-16.00%-14.00%-12.00%-10.00%-8.00%-6.00%-4.00%-2.00%2023FebruaryMarchAprilMayJune
-12.89%
-3.27%
BIV
VGSH

BIV vs. VGSH - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (BIV) has a higher volatility of 1.82% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) at 0.71%. This indicates that BIV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGSH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.


0.50%1.00%1.50%2.00%2.50%3.00%2023FebruaryMarchAprilMayJune
1.82%
0.71%
BIV
VGSH