BLV vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

BLV (Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets 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 VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BLV returned 0.81%/yr vs 10.14%/yr for VEA. At a correlation of -0.11, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

BLV vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BLV achieves a -0.54% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 12.02% return. Over the past 10 years, BLV has underperformed VEA with an annualized return of 0.81%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively higher 10.14% annualized return.

BLV

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: -1.02%
• YTD: -0.54%
• 6M: -0.73%
• 1Y: 5.53%
• 3Y*: 1.83%
• 5Y*: -3.70%
• 10Y*: 0.81%

VEA

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: -1.37%
• YTD: 12.02%
• 6M: 14.95%
• 1Y: 28.06%
• 3Y*: 18.65%
• 5Y*: 9.09%
• 10Y*: 10.14%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BLV vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BLV Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF	-0.54%	6.44%	-3.65%	7.35%	-26.95%	-2.89%	16.13%	18.99%	-4.17%	10.74%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	12.02%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between BLV and VEA is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 27, 2007	-0.11

The correlation between BLV and VEA shifts across timeframes, from -0.11 (all time) to 0.41 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BLV vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BLV	VEA
Financial Services	0.0%	23.3%
Basic Materials	-	7.5%
Communication Services	-	3.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.6%
Energy	-	5.4%
Healthcare	-	8.2%
Industrials	-	19.2%
Real Estate	-	2.7%
Technology	-	13.8%
Utilities	-	3.3%

Return for Risk

BLV vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BLV

BLV Risk / Return Rank: 21
BLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
BLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
BLV Omega Ratio Rank: 20
BLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
BLV Martin Ratio Rank: 21

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 56
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

BLV vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	BLV	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.69	1.75	-1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.04	2.39	-1.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.32	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.97	2.42	-1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.42	9.39	-6.97
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BLV vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLV Sharpe Ratio is 0.69, which is lower than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLV and VEA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BLV	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69	1.75	-1.06
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.29	0.55	-0.84
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.07	0.59	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.24	+0.12

Drawdowns

BLV vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLV drawdown since its inception was -38.29%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLV and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLV	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.29%	-60.68%	+22.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.73%	-11.63%	+5.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.16%	-13.45%	-1.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.27%	-29.71%	-6.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.29%	-35.73%	-2.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.76%	-3.40%	-21.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.52%	-13.29%	+3.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.29%	3.00%	-0.71%

Volatility

BLV vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) is 2.39%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 6.03%. This indicates that BLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BLV	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.39%	6.03%	-3.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.65%	13.91%	-8.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.04%	16.15%	-8.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.96%	16.63%	-3.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.99%	17.40%	-5.41%

BLV vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BLV and VEA have an expense ratio of 0.03%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BLV vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

BLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.84%, more than VEA's 2.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BLV Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF	4.84%	4.67%	5.09%	4.06%	4.17%	3.37%	6.12%	3.57%	4.07%	3.63%	4.16%	4.37%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.69%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLV and VEA in my portfolio?

BLV and VEA have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BLV or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.03%) compared to BLV (2.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLV dropped -38.29% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, BLV or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 10.14% vs 0.81% for BLV. Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. On volatility, BLV has been the lower-risk option at 2.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLV or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.14% return vs 0.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLV or VEA?

BLV and VEA have the same expense ratio: 0.03% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BLV or VEA?

BLV has the higher dividend yield at 4.84%, compared with 2.69% for VEA.

What is the main difference between BLV and VEA?

BLV is categorized as Long-Term Bond, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. BLV tracks Bloomberg U.S. Long Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 0.69), 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.