SmarterDividends

BOXX vs SHV: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared

As of Nov 5, 2026, SHV yields more: 3.63% (current yield) against 0.00% for BOXX. SHV is cheaper to own at 0.15% a year vs 0.19%. Over the same 3 years (Dec 2022 to Oct 2026), BOXX returned 4.6% a year with distributions reinvested, and SHV 4.5%. BOXX's income is not paid out at all (it builds up in the price and is taxed when you sell); SHV's is generally exempt from state income tax.

ComparedBOXXSHV
YieldCurrent yield0.00%3.63%
Expense ratio0.19%0.15%
Total return, 1 yr+4.1%+3.6%
Total return, 3 yr (a year)+4.6%+4.4%
Total return, 5 yr (a year)—+3.6%
Total return, 10 yr (a year)—+2.4%
Worst drop since Dec 20220.0%0.0%
Share price since Dec 2022+19%+0%
PaysAnnualMonthly
IssuerAlpha ArchitectiShares
Assets$14.4B$21.4B
Started20222007
TypeBox-spread ETFTreasury ETF

Higher yield

SHV

3.63%

Lower cost

SHV

0.15%

Better total return

BOXX

4.6%/yr

Smaller worst drop

BOXX

0.0%

Key facts: BOXX vs SHV

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Nov 5, 2026, BOXX yields 0.00% (current yield) and SHV yields 3.63% (current yield).
  • BOXX's expense ratio is 0.19% and SHV's is 0.15%: $19 vs $15 a year on $10,000.
  • From Dec 2022 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in BOXX grew to $11,902 (4.6% a year) and $10,000 in SHV to $11,847 (4.5% a year), distributions reinvested.
  • Their worst month-end drops over that time: 0.0% for BOXX and 0.0% for SHV.
  • BOXX's income is not paid out at all (it builds up in the price and is taxed when you sell), while SHV's is generally exempt from state income tax.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "BOXX vs SHV: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/boxx-vs-shv

$10,000 in each, Dec 2022 to Oct 2026

Distributions reinvested, month-end values.

BOXX became

$11,902

4.6% a year

SHV became

$11,847

4.5% a year

Try other dates, monthly additions or more tickers →

Year by year

YearBOXXSHV
2025+4.4%+4.2%
2024+5.2%+5.1%
2023+5.0%+5.0%

Total return each calendar year, distributions reinvested.

What each holds and how it's taxed

BOXX · Box-spread ETF
Earns a T-bill-like return from options box spreads and pays no distributions: the return shows up in the share price and is taxed when you sell.
SHV · Treasury ETF
Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies).

General information, not tax advice. Every cash fund by yield →

BOXX vs SHV: questions

Is BOXX or SHV better?

It depends on the job. SHV pays more today (3.63% vs 0.00%), SHV costs less, and BOXX has the better total return over Dec 2022 to Oct 2026, with BOXX holding up better in its worst stretch. For cash you may need soon, yield after tax and how easily you can get the money out matter more than past returns.

Which pays a higher dividend, BOXX or SHV?

SHV, at 3.63% against 0.00% for BOXX as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $363 vs $0 a year at today's rates.

Which has the better total return?

BOXX. From Dec 2022 to Oct 2026, it returned 4.6% a year with distributions reinvested, against 4.5% for SHV. $10,000 became $11,902 vs $11,847.

Which is cheaper, BOXX or SHV?

SHV, with a 0.15% expense ratio against 0.19%.

How are BOXX and SHV taxed?

BOXX: Earns a T-bill-like return from options box spreads and pays no distributions: the return shows up in the share price and is taxed when you sell. SHV: Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies). General information, not tax advice.

Related comparisons

Yields, costs and holdings as each fund reports them (via Yahoo Finance), updated daily; returns from month-end prices with distributions reinvested. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.