BSV vs. FLDB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BSV (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares) and FLDB (Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF) are both Short-Term Bond funds. BSV is passively managed, while FLDB is actively managed. Over the past year, BSV returned 3.68% vs 4.19% for FLDB. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BSV charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for FLDB.

Performance

BSV vs. FLDB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares (BSV) and Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF (FLDB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BSV achieves a 0.29% return, which is significantly lower than FLDB's 1.28% return.

BSV

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: 0.29%
• 6M: 0.52%
• 1Y: 3.68%
• 3Y*: 4.41%
• 5Y*: 1.62%
• 10Y*: 1.95%

FLDB

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 1.28%
• 6M: 1.64%
• 1Y: 4.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BSV vs. FLDB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BSV Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares	0.29%	6.00%	4.34%
FLDB Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF	1.28%	4.93%	4.29%

Correlation

The correlation between BSV and FLDB is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 27, 2024	0.30

Return for Risk

BSV vs. FLDB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BSV

BSV Risk / Return Rank: 61
BSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
BSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
BSV Omega Ratio Rank: 63
BSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
BSV Martin Ratio Rank: 57

FLDB

FLDB Risk / Return Rank: 98
FLDB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
FLDB Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
FLDB Omega Ratio Rank: 98
FLDB Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
FLDB Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

BSV vs. FLDB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares (BSV) and Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF (FLDB). 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.

	BSV	FLDB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	4.67	-2.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	8.43	-5.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	2.11	-0.72
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.87	25.08	-22.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.07	93.63	-83.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BSV vs. FLDB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BSV Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is lower than the FLDB Sharpe Ratio of 4.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BSV and FLDB, 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

	BSV	FLDB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.05	4.67	-2.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.85	3.56	-2.71

Drawdowns

BSV vs. FLDB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BSV drawdown since its inception was -8.54%, which is greater than FLDB's maximum drawdown of -0.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BSV and FLDB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BSV	FLDB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.54%	-0.49%	-8.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.29%	-0.17%	-1.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.53%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-8.54%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-8.54%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.63%	-0.13%	-0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.97%	-0.05%	-0.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.37%	0.04%	+0.33%

Volatility

BSV vs. FLDB - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares (BSV) has a higher volatility of 0.52% compared to Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF (FLDB) at 0.34%. This indicates that BSV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FLDB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BSV	FLDB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.52%	0.34%	+0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.26%	0.61%	+0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.81%	0.91%	+0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.72%	1.31%	+1.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.37%	1.31%	+1.06%

BSV vs. FLDB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BSV has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than FLDB's 0.20% 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

BSV vs. FLDB - Dividend Comparison

BSV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.00%, less than FLDB's 4.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BSV Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares	4.00%	3.83%	3.38%	2.46%	1.50%	1.45%	1.79%	2.29%	1.99%	1.65%	1.48%	1.40%
FLDB Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF	4.45%	4.72%	3.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BSV and FLDB in my portfolio?

BSV and FLDB have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BSV or FLDB?

BSV has higher volatility (0.52%) compared to FLDB (0.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BSV dropped -8.54% vs FLDB's -0.49%.

Which ETF is better, BSV or FLDB?

On 1-year performance, FLDB leads with 4.19% vs 3.68% for BSV. On fees, BSV is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, FLDB has been the lower-risk option at 0.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BSV or FLDB?

Over the 1-year period, FLDB has performed better with a 4.19% return vs 3.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BSV or FLDB?

BSV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for FLDB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BSV or FLDB?

FLDB has the higher dividend yield at 4.45%, compared with 4.00% for BSV.

What is the main difference between BSV and FLDB?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for BSV and 0.20% for FLDB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLDB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.67 vs 2.05), 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.