PortfoliosLab logo

BLV vs. BSV

Last updated Jun 3, 2023

Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV).

BLV and BSV are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. BLV is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the Barclays U.S. Long Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index. It was launched on Apr 3, 2007. BSV is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the Barclays U.S. 1-5 Year Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index. It was launched on Apr 3, 2007. Both BLV and BSV 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: BLV or BSV.

Key characteristics


BLVBSV
YTD Return3.96%1.66%
1Y Return-6.15%0.04%
5Y Return (Ann)0.52%1.26%
10Y Return (Ann)2.35%1.08%
Sharpe Ratio-0.380.02
Daily Std Dev16.53%3.89%
Max Drawdown-37.23%-8.54%

Correlation

0.63
-1.001.00

The correlation between BLV and BSV is 0.63, 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.

BLV vs. BSV - Performance Comparison

In the year-to-date period, BLV achieves a 3.96% return, which is significantly higher than BSV's 1.66% return. Over the past 10 years, BLV has outperformed BSV with an annualized return of 2.35%, while BSV has yielded a comparatively lower 1.08% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.


-4.00%-2.00%0.00%2.00%4.00%2023FebruaryMarchAprilMayJune
-0.62%
1.66%
BLV
BSV

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs


Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF

Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF

BLV vs. BSV - Dividend Comparison

BLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.74%, more than BSV's 2.37% yield.


TTM20222021202020192018201720162015201420132012
BLV
Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF
5.74%4.24%3.55%6.37%4.13%4.89%4.54%5.40%5.90%5.49%7.12%8.15%
BSV
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
2.37%1.51%1.49%1.86%2.42%2.16%1.82%1.66%1.60%1.67%1.74%1.91%

BLV vs. BSV - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BLV and BSV have an expense ratio of 0.04%.

BLV vs. BSV - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV). 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
BLV
Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF
-0.38
BSV
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
0.02

BLV vs. BSV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLV Sharpe Ratio is -0.38, which is lower than the BSV Sharpe Ratio of 0.02. The chart below compares the 12-month rolling Sharpe Ratio of BLV and BSV.


-1.50-1.00-0.500.000.502023FebruaryMarchAprilMayJune
-0.38
0.02
BLV
BSV

BLV vs. BSV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLV drawdown for the period was -31.28%, lower than the maximum BSV drawdown of -7.07%. The drawdown chart below compares losses from any high point along the way for BLV and BSV


-30.00%-25.00%-20.00%-15.00%-10.00%-5.00%2023FebruaryMarchAprilMayJune
-28.56%
-5.06%
BLV
BSV

BLV vs. BSV - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) has a higher volatility of 3.00% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV) at 0.94%. This indicates that BLV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BSV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.


1.00%2.00%3.00%4.00%5.00%6.00%2023FebruaryMarchAprilMayJune
3.00%
0.94%
BLV
BSV