BLV vs. VDC
BLV (Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF) and VDC (Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BLV is a Long-Term Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Long Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index, while VDC is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BLV returned 0.91%/yr vs 7.74%/yr for VDC. At a correlation of -0.07, they often move in opposite directions. BLV charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDC.
Performance
BLV vs. VDC - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BLV achieves a 0.81% return, which is significantly lower than VDC's 6.86% return. Over the past 10 years, BLV has underperformed VDC with an annualized return of 0.91%, while VDC has yielded a comparatively higher 7.74% annualized return.
BLV
- 1D
- -0.55%
- 1M
- 1.61%
- YTD
- 0.81%
- 6M
- 0.84%
- 1Y
- 5.47%
- 3Y*
- 1.85%
- 5Y*
- -3.65%
- 10Y*
- 0.91%
VDC
- 1D
- -0.71%
- 1M
- -2.26%
- YTD
- 6.86%
- 6M
- 6.42%
- 1Y
- 5.06%
- 3Y*
- 7.47%
- 5Y*
- 6.96%
- 10Y*
- 7.74%
BLV vs. VDC - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BLV Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF | 0.81% | 6.44% | -3.65% | 7.35% | -26.95% | -2.89% | 16.13% | 18.99% | -4.17% | 10.74% |
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF | 6.86% | 2.17% | 13.30% | 2.38% | -1.79% | 17.64% | 10.86% | 26.11% | -7.79% | 11.85% |
Correlation
The correlation between BLV and VDC is 0.15, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.15 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.23 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.21 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.13 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 10, 2007 | -0.07 |
The correlation between BLV and VDC shifts across timeframes, from -0.07 (all time) to 0.23 (3 years), 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.
Return for Risk
BLV vs. VDC — Risk / Return Rank
BLV
VDC
BLV vs. VDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) and Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC). 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.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| BLV | VDC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.29 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.37 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.12 | 1.08 | +0.04 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.96 | 0.55 | +0.41 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.34 | 1.09 | +1.25 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
BLV vs. VDC - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BLV drawdown since its inception was -38.29%, which is greater than VDC's maximum drawdown of -34.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLV and VDC.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| BLV | VDC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -38.29% | -34.24% | -4.05% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -5.73% | -9.28% | +3.55% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -15.16% | -11.78% | -3.38% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -36.27% | -16.55% | -19.72% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -38.29% | -25.31% | -12.98% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -23.74% | -7.56% | -16.18% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -9.55% | -3.73% | -5.82% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.34% | 4.65% | -2.31% |
Volatility
BLV vs. VDC - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) is 1.97%, while Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) has a volatility of 4.82%. This indicates that BLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| BLV | VDC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.97% | 4.82% | -2.85% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 5.76% | 10.20% | -4.44% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 7.98% | 12.69% | -4.71% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 12.93% | 13.18% | -0.25% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 11.99% | 14.68% | -2.69% |
BLV vs. VDC - Expense Ratio Comparison
BLV has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VDC's 0.09% 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
BLV vs. VDC - Dividend Comparison
BLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.78%, more than VDC's 2.15% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BLV Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF | 4.78% | 4.67% | 5.09% | 4.06% | 4.17% | 3.37% | 6.12% | 3.57% | 4.07% | 3.63% | 4.16% | 4.37% |
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF | 2.15% | 2.26% | 2.33% | 2.65% | 2.37% | 2.14% | 2.50% | 2.44% | 2.78% | 2.52% | 2.39% | 2.55% |
Frequently Asked Questions
BLV and VDC have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VDC has higher volatility (4.82%) compared to BLV (1.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLV dropped -38.29% vs VDC's -34.24%.
On 10-year performance, VDC leads with 7.74% vs 0.91% for BLV. On fees, BLV is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, BLV has been the lower-risk option at 1.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VDC has performed better with a 7.74% return vs 0.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
BLV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for VDC.
BLV has the higher dividend yield at 4.78%, compared with 2.15% for VDC.
BLV is categorized as Long-Term Bond, while VDC is Consumer Staples Equities. BLV tracks Bloomberg U.S. Long Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index, while VDC tracks MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for BLV and 0.09% for VDC.
BLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.69 vs 0.40), 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.
Find the right allocation for BLV and VDC
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer