FSIG vs. BSV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FSIG (First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF) and BSV (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares) are both Short-Term Bond funds. FSIG is actively managed, while BSV is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FSIG returned 5.22%/yr vs 4.51%/yr for BSV. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FSIG charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for BSV.

Performance

FSIG vs. BSV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FSIG) 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, FSIG achieves a 0.49% return, which is significantly higher than BSV's 0.32% return.

FSIG

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 0.49%
• 6M: 0.73%
• 1Y: 3.82%
• 3Y*: 5.22%
• 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)

FSIG vs. BSV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FSIG First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF	0.49%	6.66%	4.22%	6.22%	-4.37%	-0.08%
BSV Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares	0.32%	6.00%	3.78%	4.90%	-5.49%	-0.13%

Correlation

The correlation between FSIG and BSV is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2021	0.85

The correlation between FSIG and BSV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSIG vs. BSV — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSIG

FSIG Risk / Return Rank: 57
FSIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
FSIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
FSIG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
FSIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
FSIG Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

FSIG vs. BSV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FSIG) 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.

	FSIG	BSV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	1.76	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	2.76	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.33	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	2.48	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.12	8.14	+1.98

FSIG vs. BSV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is comparable to the BSV Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSIG and BSV, 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

FSIG vs. BSV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSIG drawdown since its inception was -6.93%, smaller than the maximum BSV drawdown of -8.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSIG and BSV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSIG	BSV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.93%	-8.54%	+1.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.55%	-1.29%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.55%	-1.53%	-0.02%
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	-0.22%	-0.60%	+0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.67%	-0.97%	-0.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.38%	0.39%	-0.01%

Volatility

FSIG vs. BSV - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FSIG) has a higher volatility of 0.67% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares (BSV) at 0.60%. This indicates that FSIG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BSV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSIG	BSV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.67%	0.60%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.86%	1.33%	+0.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.25%	1.82%	+0.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.96%	2.73%	+0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.96%	2.38%	+0.58%

FSIG vs. BSV - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSIG has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than BSV's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSIG vs. BSV - Dividend Comparison

FSIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.80%, more 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%
FSIG First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF	4.80%	4.73%	4.61%	4.42%	2.48%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSIG and BSV in my portfolio?

FSIG and BSV have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSIG or BSV?

FSIG has higher volatility (0.67%) compared to BSV (0.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSIG dropped -6.93% vs BSV's -8.54%.

Which ETF is better, FSIG or BSV?

On 3-year performance, FSIG leads with 5.22% vs 4.51% 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.

Which ETF has performed better, FSIG or BSV?

Over the 3-year period, FSIG has performed better with a 5.22% return vs 4.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSIG or BSV?

BSV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for FSIG.

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

FSIG has the higher dividend yield at 4.80%, compared with 3.99% for BSV.

What is the main difference between FSIG and BSV?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for FSIG and 0.03% for BSV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 1.70), 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.