BLV vs. VO

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BLV (Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF) and VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap 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 VO is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mid Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BLV returned 0.92%/yr vs 11.77%/yr for VO. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

BLV vs. VO - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BLV achieves a 0.69% return, which is significantly lower than VO's 10.43% return. Over the past 10 years, BLV has underperformed VO with an annualized return of 0.92%, while VO has yielded a comparatively higher 11.77% annualized return.

BLV

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 1.36%
• YTD: 0.69%
• 6M: 1.11%
• 1Y: 4.70%
• 3Y*: 2.38%
• 5Y*: -3.58%
• 10Y*: 0.92%

VO

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: 3.61%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 9.31%
• 1Y: 18.17%
• 3Y*: 15.74%
• 5Y*: 7.79%
• 10Y*: 11.77%

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

BLV vs. VO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BLV Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF	0.69%	6.44%	-3.65%	7.35%	-26.95%	-2.89%	16.13%	18.99%	-4.17%	10.74%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	10.43%	11.62%	15.31%	16.03%	-18.73%	24.70%	18.10%	30.98%	-9.24%	19.28%

Correlation

The correlation between BLV and VO is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 10, 2007	-0.13

The correlation between BLV and VO shifts across timeframes, from -0.13 (all time) to 0.36 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BLV vs. VO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BLV	VO
Financial Services	0.0%	12.8%
Basic Materials	-	4.2%
Communication Services	-	3.1%
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.8%
Energy	-	8.5%
Healthcare	-	7.6%
Industrials	-	17.9%
Real Estate	-	5.4%
Technology	-	18.6%
Utilities	-	8.3%

Return for Risk

BLV vs. VO — Risk / Return Rank

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

BLV

BLV Risk / Return Rank: 20
BLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
BLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
BLV Omega Ratio Rank: 18
BLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
BLV Martin Ratio Rank: 20

VO

VO Risk / Return Rank: 49
VO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VO Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VO Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VO Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VO Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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. VO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). 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	VO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.59	1.43	-0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.89	2.05	-1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.25	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.82	2.23	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.03	8.44	-6.40

BLV vs. VO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLV Sharpe Ratio is 0.59, which is lower than the VO Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLV and VO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BLV vs. VO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLV drawdown since its inception was -38.29%, smaller than the maximum VO drawdown of -58.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLV and VO.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLV	VO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.29%	-58.87%	+20.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.73%	-8.17%	+2.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.16%	-19.02%	+3.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.27%	-27.57%	-8.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.29%	-39.37%	+1.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.83%	-0.45%	-23.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.53%	-7.85%	-1.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.32%	2.16%	+0.16%

Volatility

BLV vs. VO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) is 2.59%, while Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) has a volatility of 4.31%. This indicates that BLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BLV	VO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.59%	4.31%	-1.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.78%	9.71%	-3.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.11%	12.74%	-4.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.96%	17.65%	-4.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.99%	18.96%	-6.97%

BLV vs. VO - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BLV and VO 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. VO - Dividend Comparison

BLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.78%, more than VO's 1.36% 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%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	1.36%	1.52%	1.49%	1.52%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLV and VO in my portfolio?

BLV and VO have a correlation of 0.36, 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 VO?

VO has higher volatility (4.31%) compared to BLV (2.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLV dropped -38.29% vs VO's -58.87%.

Which ETF is better, BLV or VO?

On 10-year performance, VO leads with 11.77% vs 0.92% for BLV. Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. On volatility, BLV has been the lower-risk option at 2.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLV or VO?

Over the 10-year period, VO has performed better with a 11.77% return vs 0.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLV or VO?

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

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

BLV has the higher dividend yield at 4.78%, compared with 1.36% for VO.

What is the main difference between BLV and VO?

BLV is categorized as Long-Term Bond, while VO is Mid Cap Blend Equities. BLV tracks Bloomberg U.S. Long Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index, while VO tracks CRSP US Mid Cap Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 0.59), 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.