MSFT vs. BSV

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) is a stock, while BSV (Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares) is Short-Term Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. 1–5 Year Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index. Over the past 10 years, MSFT returned 24.39%/yr vs 1.94%/yr for BSV. At a correlation of -0.10, they often move in opposite directions.

Performance

MSFT vs. BSV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) 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, MSFT achieves a -18.85% return, which is significantly lower than BSV's 0.42% return. Over the past 10 years, MSFT has outperformed BSV with an annualized return of 24.39%, while BSV has yielded a comparatively lower 1.94% annualized return.

MSFT

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -7.19%
• YTD: -18.85%
• 6M: -17.98%
• 1Y: -17.07%
• 3Y*: 6.16%
• 5Y*: 9.56%
• 10Y*: 24.39%

BSV

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 0.42%
• 6M: 0.75%
• 1Y: 3.67%
• 3Y*: 4.57%
• 5Y*: 1.63%
• 10Y*: 1.94%

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

MSFT vs. BSV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MSFT Microsoft Corporation	-18.85%	15.58%	12.93%	58.19%	-28.02%	52.48%	42.53%	57.56%	20.80%	40.73%
BSV Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares	0.42%	6.00%	3.78%	4.90%	-5.49%	-1.09%	4.70%	4.98%	1.34%	1.20%

Correlation

The correlation between MSFT and BSV is 0.01, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.01
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 10, 2007	-0.10

The correlation between MSFT and BSV shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (all time) to 0.08 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MSFT vs. BSV — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSFT

MSFT Risk / Return Rank: 17
MSFT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
MSFT Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
MSFT Omega Ratio Rank: 14
MSFT Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
MSFT Martin Ratio Rank: 20

BSV

BSV Risk / Return Rank: 71
BSV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
BSV Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
BSV Omega Ratio Rank: 76
BSV Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
BSV Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

MSFT vs. BSV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) 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.

	MSFT	BSV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.70	2.01	-2.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.84	3.23	-4.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.89	1.39	-0.50
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.53	2.79	-3.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.08	9.42	-10.50

MSFT vs. BSV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSFT Sharpe Ratio is -0.70, which is lower than the BSV Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSFT 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

MSFT vs. BSV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSFT drawdown since its inception was -69.38%, which is greater than BSV's maximum drawdown of -8.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSFT and BSV.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSFT	BSV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.38%	-8.54%	-60.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.91%	-1.29%	-32.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.91%	-1.53%	-32.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.15%	-8.54%	-28.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.15%	-8.54%	-28.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.46%	-0.50%	-26.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.78%	-0.97%	-20.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.48%	0.38%	+16.10%

Volatility

MSFT vs. BSV - Volatility Comparison

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) has a higher volatility of 10.52% compared to Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund ETF Shares (BSV) at 0.57%. This indicates that MSFT'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

	MSFT	BSV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.52%	0.57%	+9.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.31%	1.28%	+21.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.42%	1.79%	+23.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.66%	2.73%	+23.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.06%	2.38%	+24.68%

Dividends

MSFT vs. BSV - Dividend Comparison

MSFT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, 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%
MSFT Microsoft Corporation	0.91%	0.70%	0.73%	0.74%	1.06%	0.68%	0.94%	1.20%	1.69%	1.86%	2.37%	2.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSFT and BSV in my portfolio?

MSFT and BSV have a correlation of 0.01, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSFT or BSV?

MSFT has higher volatility (10.52%) compared to BSV (0.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSFT dropped -69.38% vs BSV's -8.54%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BSV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs -0.70), 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.