FSEC vs. BIV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FSEC (Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF) and BIV (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. FSEC is actively managed, while BIV is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FSEC returned 0.54%/yr vs 0.21%/yr for BIV. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSEC charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for BIV.

Performance

FSEC vs. BIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF (FSEC) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF (BIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSEC achieves a 0.86% return, which is significantly higher than BIV's -0.24% return.

FSEC

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 0.86%
• 6M: 0.87%
• 1Y: 6.18%
• 3Y*: 4.82%
• 5Y*: 0.54%
• 10Y*: —

BIV

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: -0.24%
• 6M: -0.15%
• 1Y: 4.06%
• 3Y*: 4.34%
• 5Y*: 0.21%
• 10Y*: 1.82%

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

FSEC vs. BIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FSEC Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF	0.86%	8.33%	2.40%	5.22%	-12.62%	-0.62%
BIV Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF	-0.24%	8.52%	1.57%	6.07%	-13.21%	0.47%

Correlation

The correlation between FSEC and BIV is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 4, 2021	0.81

The correlation between FSEC and BIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSEC vs. BIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSEC

FSEC Risk / Return Rank: 39
FSEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
FSEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
FSEC Omega Ratio Rank: 34
FSEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
FSEC Martin Ratio Rank: 43

BIV

BIV Risk / Return Rank: 28
BIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
BIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
BIV Omega Ratio Rank: 26
BIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
BIV Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

FSEC vs. BIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF (FSEC) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF (BIV). 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.

	FSEC	BIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	1.01	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	1.51	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.17	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	1.28	+1.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.72	3.59	+3.13

FSEC vs. BIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSEC Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is comparable to the BIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSEC and BIV, 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

FSEC vs. BIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSEC drawdown since its inception was -17.97%, smaller than the maximum BIV drawdown of -18.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSEC and BIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSEC	BIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.97%	-18.95%	+0.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.52%	-3.18%	+0.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.32%	-6.07%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.97%	-18.74%	+0.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.95%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.20%	-2.04%	+0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.58%	-3.38%	-3.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	1.13%	-0.21%

Volatility

FSEC vs. BIV - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF (FSEC) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF (BIV) have volatilities of 1.27% and 1.22%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	FSEC	BIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.27%	1.22%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.26%	3.03%	+0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.30%	4.04%	+1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.78%	6.40%	+0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.60%	5.51%	+1.09%

FSEC vs. BIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSEC has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than BIV's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSEC vs. BIV - Dividend Comparison

FSEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.44%, more than BIV's 4.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BIV Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF	4.22%	4.01%	3.79%	3.09%	2.41%	3.42%	2.95%	2.75%	2.88%	2.69%	3.01%	3.02%
FSEC Fidelity Investment Grade Securitized ETF	4.44%	4.22%	3.22%	3.41%	2.21%	0.96%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSEC and BIV in my portfolio?

FSEC and BIV have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSEC or BIV?

FSEC has higher volatility (1.27%) compared to BIV (1.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSEC dropped -17.97% vs BIV's -18.95%.

Which ETF is better, FSEC or BIV?

On 5-year performance, FSEC leads with 0.54% vs 0.21% for BIV. On fees, BIV 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.

Which ETF has performed better, FSEC or BIV?

Over the 5-year period, FSEC has performed better with a 0.54% return vs 0.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSEC or BIV?

BIV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for FSEC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FSEC or BIV?

FSEC has the higher dividend yield at 4.44%, compared with 4.22% for BIV.

What is the main difference between FSEC and BIV?

They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for FSEC and 0.03% for BIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 vs 1.01), 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.