VCSH vs BSV: Head-to-Head Comparison
VCSH vs BSV: Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF has an expense ratio of 0.04% while Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF charges 0.04%. VCSH holds 2,300 securities vs BSV's 2,800. 5-year returns: 2.00% vs 1.80%.
Last updated: April 2026
Bond
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (10/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | BSV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| AUM | $35.0B | $35.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 3.20% |
| Holdings | 2,300 | 2,800 |
| 1-Year Return | 4.50% | 4.80% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 2.00% | 1.80% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 2.20% | 2.00% |
| Beta | 0.15 | 0.08 |
| P/E Ratio | N/A | N/A |
VCSH 5-year annualized return is 2.00% compared to BSV's 1.80%. Over 10 years, VCSH returned 2.20% vs BSV's 2.00%.
View data table
| Period | VCSH Return | BSV Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 0.90% | 1.20% |
| 1 Year | 4.50% | 4.80% |
| 3 Year | 1.00% | 2.20% |
| 5 Year | 2.00% | 1.80% |
| 10 Year | 2.20% | 2.00% |
Key Differences Between VCSH and BSV
VCSH (Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF) is a short-term corp bond fund managed by Vanguard. VCSH tracks the Bloomberg U.S. 1-5 Year Corporate Bond Index, investing in investment-grade corporate bonds with short maturities. By focusing on bonds that mature within one to five years, the fund limits interest rate risk while still capturing the yield advantage of corporate debt over government bonds. It is a popular choice for investors who want more income than money markets but less volatility than longer-term bond funds.
BSV (Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF) is a short-term bond fund managed by Vanguard. BSV invests in U.S. investment-grade bonds with maturities between one and five years, offering a stable option for conservative investors. Its short duration means less sensitivity to interest rate changes compared to longer-term bond funds. This makes BSV a popular choice for parking cash or reducing overall portfolio volatility.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.04% vs 0.04%), number of holdings (2,300 vs 2,800), and 5-year returns (2.00% vs 1.80%).
VCSH vs BSV multi-factor comparison: VCSH has a 0.04% expense ratio, 2.00% 5-year return, 2,300 holdings, 0.15 beta, and 3.50% yield. BSV has 0.04% expense ratio, 1.80% 5-year return, 2,800 holdings, 0.08 beta, and 3.20% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VCSH | BSV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| 5-Year Return | 2.00% | 1.80% |
| Holdings | 2,300 | 2,800 |
| Beta | 0.15 | 0.08 |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 3.20% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
VCSH and BSV share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
VCSH and BSV share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). VCSH has 2,300 total holdings and BSV has 2,800.
View data table
| Metric | VCSH | BSV |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 2,300 | 2,800 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VCSH
Fee cost: $344
BSV
Fee cost: $344
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, VCSH (0.04% fee) grows to $46,266 while BSV (0.04% fee) grows to $46,266. The fee difference costs $0.
View data table
| Year | VCSH Value | BSV Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,666 | $14,666 |
| 10 | $21,509 | $21,509 |
| 15 | $31,546 | $31,546 |
| 20 | $46,266 | $46,266 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose VCSH if: You want conservative investors wanting slightly more yield than treasuries with minimal extra risk, near-term cash management for money needed in one to five years, fixed income investors who prioritize capital preservation alongside income generation. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.04%.
Choose BSV if: You want conservative investors seeking stability and capital preservation, investors looking for a low-risk place to park cash reserves, retirees who need predictable income with minimal volatility. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.04%.
Can You Own Both VCSH and BSV?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, VCSH and BSV complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy VCSH or BSV?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (10/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. VCSH is best for investors who want conservative investors wanting slightly more yield than treasuries with minimal extra risk, while BSV is better suited for conservative investors seeking stability and capital preservation.
What is the difference between VCSH and BSV?▾
VCSH (Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF) tracks short-term corp bond investments with 2,300 holdings and a 0.04% expense ratio. BSV (Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF) focuses on short-term bond with 2,800 holdings at 0.04%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both VCSH and BSV?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, VCSH and BSV complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.