FLTB vs. BSV
FLTB (Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF) and BSV (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares) are both Short-Term Bond funds. FLTB is actively managed, while BSV is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FLTB returned 2.44%/yr vs 1.90%/yr for BSV. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLTB charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for BSV.
Performance
FLTB vs. BSV - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FLTB achieves a 0.82% return, which is significantly higher than BSV's 0.21% return. Over the past 10 years, FLTB has outperformed BSV with an annualized return of 2.44%, while BSV has yielded a comparatively lower 1.90% annualized return.
FLTB
- 1D
- -0.06%
- 1M
- 0.32%
- YTD
- 0.82%
- 6M
- 0.86%
- 1Y
- 4.26%
- 3Y*
- 5.58%
- 5Y*
- 2.30%
- 10Y*
- 2.44%
BSV
- 1D
- -0.12%
- 1M
- 0.11%
- YTD
- 0.21%
- 6M
- 0.37%
- 1Y
- 3.25%
- 3Y*
- 4.47%
- 5Y*
- 1.66%
- 10Y*
- 1.90%
FLTB vs. BSV - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FLTB Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF | 0.82% | 6.60% | 5.14% | 5.94% | -5.88% | -1.20% | 5.57% | 5.87% | 1.06% | 2.10% |
BSV Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares | 0.21% | 6.00% | 3.78% | 4.90% | -5.49% | -1.09% | 4.70% | 4.98% | 1.34% | 1.20% |
Correlation
The correlation between FLTB and BSV is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.74 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.81 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.85 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.72 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 9, 2014 | 0.66 |
The correlation between FLTB and BSV shifts across timeframes, from 0.66 (all time) to 0.85 (5 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
FLTB vs. BSV — Risk / Return Rank
FLTB
BSV
FLTB vs. BSV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF (FLTB) 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.
| FLTB | BSV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.25 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.32 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.39 | 1.34 | +0.05 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.81 | 2.53 | +0.28 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.71 | 8.35 | +3.36 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
FLTB vs. BSV - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FLTB drawdown since its inception was -9.37%, which is greater than BSV's maximum drawdown of -8.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLTB and BSV.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| FLTB | BSV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -9.37% | -8.54% | -0.83% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -1.52% | -1.29% | -0.23% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -1.52% | -1.53% | +0.01% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -9.26% | -8.54% | -0.72% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -9.37% | -8.54% | -0.83% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.28% | -0.70% | +0.42% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -1.39% | -0.97% | -0.42% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.36% | 0.39% | -0.03% |
Volatility
FLTB vs. BSV - Volatility Comparison
Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF (FLTB) and Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares (BSV) have volatilities of 0.57% and 0.59%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| FLTB | BSV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 0.57% | 0.59% | -0.02% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 1.66% | 1.33% | +0.33% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.10% | 1.82% | +0.28% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 2.81% | 2.73% | +0.08% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 2.94% | 2.38% | +0.56% |
FLTB vs. BSV - Expense Ratio Comparison
FLTB 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
FLTB vs. BSV - Dividend Comparison
FLTB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.36%, more than BSV's 4.00% 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% |
FLTB Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF | 4.36% | 4.31% | 4.11% | 3.20% | 1.63% | 0.89% | 1.56% | 2.67% | 2.50% | 1.78% | 1.59% | 1.63% |
Frequently Asked Questions
FLTB and BSV have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
BSV has higher volatility (0.59%) compared to FLTB (0.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLTB dropped -9.37% vs BSV's -8.54%.
On 10-year performance, FLTB leads with 2.44% vs 1.90% for BSV. On fees, BSV is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, FLTB has performed better with a 2.44% return vs 1.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
BSV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for FLTB.
FLTB has the higher dividend yield at 4.36%, compared with 4.00% for BSV.
They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for FLTB and 0.03% for BSV.
FLTB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 1.79), 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 FLTB and BSV
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