BSV vs VCSH: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, VCSH yields more: 3.77% (dividend yield) against 3.75% for BSV. BSV is cheaper to own at 0.03% a year vs 0.03%. Over the same 16 years (Nov 2009 to Oct 2026), VCSH returned 2.8% a year with distributions reinvested, and BSV 1.9%.
| Compared | BSV | VCSH |
|---|---|---|
| YieldDividend yield | 3.75% | 3.77% |
| Expense ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| Total return, 1 yr | +1.6% | +1.9% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +4.7% | +5.7% |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | +1.9% | +2.5% |
| Total return, 10 yr (a year) | +2.0% | +2.7% |
| Worst drop since Nov 2009 | -7.8% | -8.5% |
| Share price since Nov 2009 | −4% | +3% |
| Pays | Monthly | Monthly |
| Issuer | Vanguard | Vanguard |
| Assets | $71.0B | $52.8B |
| Started | 2007 | 2009 |
| Type | Short-Term Bond | Short-Term Bond |
Higher yield
VCSH
3.77%
Lower cost
BSV
0.03%
Better total return
VCSH
2.8%/yr
Smaller worst drop
BSV
-7.8%
Key facts: BSV vs VCSH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, BSV yields 3.75% (dividend yield) and VCSH yields 3.77% (dividend yield).
- BSV's expense ratio is 0.03% and VCSH's is 0.03%: $3 vs $3 a year on $10,000.
- From Nov 2009 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in BSV grew to $13,758 (1.9% a year) and $10,000 in VCSH to $16,044 (2.8% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: -7.8% for BSV and -8.5% for VCSH.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "BSV vs VCSH: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/bsv-vs-vcsh
$10,000 in each, Nov 2009 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values, with the S&P 500 for reference.
BSV became
$13,758
1.9% a year
VCSH became
$16,044
2.8% a year
Year by year
| Year | BSV | VCSH |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +6.0% | +6.8% |
| 2024 | +3.8% | +4.9% |
| 2023 | +4.9% | +6.2% |
| 2022 | −5.5% | −5.5% |
| 2021 | −1.1% | −0.6% |
| 2020 | +4.7% | +5.1% |
| 2019 | +5.0% | +7.0% |
| 2018 | +1.3% | +0.9% |
| 2017 | +1.2% | +2.2% |
| 2016 | +1.3% | +2.6% |
| 2015 | +0.9% | +1.3% |
| 2014 | +1.3% | +1.8% |
| 2013 | +0.1% | +1.4% |
| 2012 | +2.0% | +5.6% |
| 2011 | +3.0% | +3.1% |
| 2010 | +3.9% | +5.3% |
Total return each calendar year, distributions reinvested.
BSV vs VCSH: questions
Is BSV or VCSH better?
It depends on the job. VCSH pays more today (3.77% vs 3.75%), BSV costs less, and VCSH has the better total return over Nov 2009 to Oct 2026, with BSV holding up better in its worst stretch. For income, look at yield and whether the payouts hold up; for growth, total return and drawdowns.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSV or VCSH?
VCSH, at 3.77% against 3.75% for BSV as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $377 vs $375 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
VCSH. From Nov 2009 to Oct 2026, it returned 2.8% a year with distributions reinvested, against 1.9% for BSV. $10,000 became $16,044 vs $13,758.
Which is cheaper, BSV or VCSH?
BSV, with a 0.03% expense ratio against 0.03%.
Yields, costs and holdings as each fund reports them (via Yahoo Finance), updated daily; returns from month-end prices with distributions reinvested. VCSH leads on 6 of 7 measures above. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.