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BIV vs. VYM
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility
Dividends

BIV vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BIV (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BIV is a Intermediate Core Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. 5–10 Year Government/Credit Float Adjusted Bond Index, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BIV returned 1.93%/yr vs 11.84%/yr for VYM. At a correlation of -0.17, they often move in opposite directions. BIV charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

BIV vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF (BIV) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

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Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BIV achieves a -0.11% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 12.42% return. Over the past 10 years, BIV has underperformed VYM with an annualized return of 1.93%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.84% annualized return.

BIV

1D
0.13%
1M
0.04%
YTD
-0.11%
6M
-0.10%
1Y
4.33%
3Y*
4.34%
5Y*
0.28%
10Y*
1.93%

VYM

1D
-0.05%
1M
2.60%
YTD
12.42%
6M
11.92%
1Y
26.61%
3Y*
19.06%
5Y*
11.47%
10Y*
11.84%
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BIV vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

2026 (YTD)202520242023202220212020201920182017
BIV
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF		-0.11%8.52%1.57%6.07%-13.21%-2.40%9.67%10.34%-0.19%3.65%
VYM
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF		12.42%15.42%17.60%6.57%-0.43%26.20%1.15%24.06%-5.92%16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between BIV and VYM is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

Correlation
Correlation (1Y)
Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

0.31

Correlation (3Y)
Calculated over the trailing 3-year period

0.22

Correlation (5Y)
Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.14

Correlation (10Y)
Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

-0.00

Correlation (All Time)
Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 11, 2007

-0.17

The correlation between BIV and VYM shifts across timeframes, from -0.17 (all time) to 0.31 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs

Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.

Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF

Often compared with BIV:
BIV vs. BNDBIV vs. BLVBIV vs. VFICXBIV vs. SCHPBIV vs. BNDXBIV vs. VGSHBIV vs. AGG
Often compared with VYM:
VYM vs. SCHDVYM vs. VIGVYM vs. VYMIVYM vs. FDVVVYM vs. VOOVYM vs. VTIVYM vs. DGRO

Return for Risk

BIV vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.
BIV
BIV Risk / Return Rank: 3030
Overall Rank
BIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3131
Sharpe Ratio Rank
BIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 3030
Sortino Ratio Rank
BIV Omega Ratio Rank: 2828
Omega Ratio Rank
BIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 2929
Calmar Ratio Rank
BIV Martin Ratio Rank: 2929
Martin Ratio Rank
VYM
VYM Risk / Return Rank: 8080
Overall Rank
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8282
Sharpe Ratio Rank
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 8484
Sortino Ratio Rank
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 8080
Omega Ratio Rank
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 7979
Calmar Ratio Rank
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 7878
Martin Ratio Rank
The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BIV vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF (BIV) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). 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.

BIVVYMDifference
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility
1.08
2.61

-1.53

Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk
1.60
3.71

-2.11

Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability

1.19

1.47

-0.29

Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown

1.37

3.99

-2.62

Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown

4.13

15.01

-10.88

Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BIV vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is lower than the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BIV and VYM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

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Sharpe Ratios by Period

BIVVYMDifference

Sharpe Ratio (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

1.08

2.61

-1.53

Sharpe Ratio (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.04

0.83

-0.78

Sharpe Ratio (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.35

0.73

-0.37

Sharpe Ratio (All Time)

Calculated using the full available price history

0.65

0.51

+0.14

Drawdowns

BIV vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BIV drawdown since its inception was -18.95%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BIV and VYM.

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Drawdown Indicators

BIVVYMDifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-18.95%

-56.98%

+38.03%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-3.18%

-6.69%

+3.51%

Max Drawdown (3Y)

Largest decline over 3 years

-6.07%

-14.46%

+8.39%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-18.74%

-15.84%

-2.90%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-18.95%

-35.21%

+16.26%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

-1.91%

-0.48%

-1.43%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-3.39%

-7.19%

+3.80%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

1.05%

1.78%

-0.73%

Volatility

BIV vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF (BIV) is 1.36%, while Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has a volatility of 2.72%. This indicates that BIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

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Volatility by Period

BIVVYMDifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

1.36%

2.72%

-1.36%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

2.90%

7.66%

-4.76%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

4.06%

10.26%

-6.20%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

6.40%

13.96%

-7.56%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

5.50%

16.34%

-10.84%

BIV vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BIV has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BIV vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

BIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.21%, more than VYM's 2.19% yield.

PositionTTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
BIV
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF		4.21%4.01%3.79%3.09%2.41%3.42%2.95%2.75%2.88%2.69%3.01%3.02%
VYM
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF		2.19%2.44%2.74%3.12%3.01%2.76%3.18%3.03%3.40%2.80%2.91%3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

BIV and VYM have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

VYM has higher volatility (2.72%) compared to BIV (1.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BIV dropped -18.95% vs VYM's -56.98%.

On 10-year performance, VYM leads with 11.84% vs 1.93% for BIV. On fees, BIV is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, BIV has been the lower-risk option at 1.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Over the 10-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.84% return vs 1.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

BIV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.04% for VYM.

BIV has the higher dividend yield at 4.21%, compared with 2.19% for VYM.

BIV is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while VYM is Dividend. BIV tracks Bloomberg U.S. 5–10 Year Government/Credit Float Adjusted Bond Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for BIV and 0.04% for VYM.

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.61 vs 1.08), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.

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