DDV vs. BSV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DDV (Defined Duration 5 ETF) and BSV (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - DDV is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Discipline Funds, while BSV is a Short-Term Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. 1–5 Year Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index. DDV is actively managed, while BSV is passively managed. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DDV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for BSV.

Performance

DDV vs. BSV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defined Duration 5 ETF (DDV) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares (BSV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDV achieves a 2.12% return, which is significantly higher than BSV's 0.32% return.

DDV

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 2.12%
• 6M: 2.22%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BSV

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 0.32%
• 6M: 0.51%
• 1Y: 3.18%
• 3Y*: 4.51%
• 5Y*: 1.68%
• 10Y*: 1.91%

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

DDV vs. BSV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DDV Defined Duration 5 ETF	2.12%	0.47%
BSV Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares	0.32%	0.58%

Correlation

The correlation between DDV and BSV is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2025	0.65

Return for Risk

DDV vs. BSV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDV

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

BSV

BSV Risk / Return Rank: 54
BSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
BSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
BSV Omega Ratio Rank: 55
BSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
BSV Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

DDV vs. BSV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defined Duration 5 ETF (DDV) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares (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.

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.

	DDV	BSV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.76	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.76	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.33	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.48	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	8.14	—

Drawdowns

DDV vs. BSV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDV drawdown since its inception was -1.92%, smaller than the maximum BSV drawdown of -8.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDV and BSV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDV	BSV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.92%	-8.54%	+6.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.29%	—
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	-0.32%	-0.60%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.35%	-0.97%	+0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.39%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DDV	BSV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.60%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.33%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.69%	1.82%	+0.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.69%	2.73%	-0.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.69%	2.38%	+0.31%

DDV vs. BSV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than BSV's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DDV vs. BSV - Dividend Comparison

DDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%, less than BSV's 3.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BSV Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares	3.99%	3.83%	3.38%	2.46%	1.50%	1.45%	1.79%	2.29%	1.99%	1.65%	1.48%	1.40%
DDV Defined Duration 5 ETF	1.21%	0.42%	0.00%	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 DDV and BSV in my portfolio?

DDV and BSV have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DDV or BSV?

On fees, BSV is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDV or BSV?

BSV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for DDV.

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

BSV has the higher dividend yield at 3.99%, compared with 1.21% for DDV.

What is the main difference between DDV and BSV?

DDV is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while BSV is Short-Term Bond. They also come from different issuers: Discipline Funds and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DDV and 0.03% for BSV.