VGVT vs. BIV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VGVT (Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF) and BIV (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds from Vanguard. VGVT is actively managed, while BIV is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VGVT charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for BIV.

Performance

VGVT vs. BIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) 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, VGVT achieves a 0.11% return, which is significantly higher than BIV's -0.24% return.

VGVT

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: 0.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BIV

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.04%
• YTD: -0.24%
• 6M: -0.48%
• 1Y: 4.80%
• 3Y*: 4.27%
• 5Y*: 0.25%
• 10Y*: 1.91%

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

VGVT vs. BIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	0.11%	3.28%
BIV Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index ETF	-0.24%	3.62%

Correlation

The correlation between VGVT and BIV is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

VGVT vs. BIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

BIV

BIV Risk / Return Rank: 31
BIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
BIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
BIV Omega Ratio Rank: 30
BIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
BIV Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

VGVT vs. BIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGVT	BIV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.19	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.04	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.35	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.17	0.65	+0.53

Drawdowns

VGVT vs. BIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGVT drawdown since its inception was -2.77%, smaller than the maximum BIV drawdown of -18.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGVT and BIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGVT	BIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.77%	-18.95%	+16.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.18%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.07%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.95%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.76%	-2.04%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.67%	-3.39%	+2.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.05%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGVT	BIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.90%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.22%	4.06%	-0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.22%	6.40%	-3.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.22%	5.50%	-2.28%

VGVT vs. BIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGVT has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than BIV'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

VGVT vs. BIV - Dividend Comparison

VGVT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.99%, less 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%
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	3.99%	2.29%	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 VGVT and BIV in my portfolio?

VGVT and BIV have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VGVT or BIV?

On fees, BIV 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, VGVT or BIV?

BIV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for VGVT.

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

BIV has the higher dividend yield at 4.22%, compared with 3.99% for VGVT.

What is the main difference between VGVT and BIV?

Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VGVT and 0.03% for BIV.