The Schwab Short-Term U.S. Treasury ETF (SCHO +0.04%) and the Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV 0.01%) stand out for their rock-bottom expenses, similar yields, and focus on short-term bonds, but differ in portfolio construction, risk profile, and scale.
Both SCHO and BSV aim to provide conservative exposure to the short end of the bond market, appealing to investors seeking modest returns with limited volatility. This comparison examines how their costs, recent performance, risk, liquidity, and portfolio composition stack up for risk-averse investors choosing between two of the most popular short-term bond exchange-traded funds.
Snapshot (cost & size)
| Metric | SCHO | BSV |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Schwab | Vanguard |
| Expense ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| 1-yr return (as of 2026-04-15) | 3.7% | 4.4% |
| Dividend yield | 4.0% | 3.9% |
| Beta | 0.24 | 0.39 |
| AUM | $12.5 billion | $69.8 billion |
Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.
SCHO and BSV are equally affordable, with each charging a 0.03% expense ratio, and both offer nearly identical yields, making neither fund stand out on cost or payout for income-focused buyers.
Performance & risk comparison
| Metric | SCHO | BSV |
|---|---|---|
| Max drawdown (5 y) | -5.76% | -8.53% |
| Growth of $1,000 over 5 years | $1,093 | $1,089 |
NYSEMKT: SCHO
Key Data Points
What's inside
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF tracks a broad short-term bond index, investing in U.S. government, investment-grade corporate, and some dollar-denominated international bonds. Its top allocations are to recent U.S. Treasury issues and cash. This fund’s significant allocation to cash and government securities means credit risk is low, but its inclusion of corporates introduces a bit more yield and volatility compared to pure Treasuries.
Schwab Short-Term U.S. Treasury ETF stays almost entirely in U.S. Treasury securities, with 99% in cash and Treasuries, and only minor allocations elsewhere. This ultra-conservative tilt may appeal to those prioritizing safety over incremental yield, and SCHO holds 97 positions for additional diversification within Treasuries.
For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.
NYSEMKT: BSV
Key Data Points
What this means for investors
Short-term bond funds like these occupy a specific role in a portfolio. They're not trying to generate big returns, but they aim to preserve capital, dampen volatility, and produce modest income while interest rate risk stays low. SCHO and BSV both do this at identical, negligible cost, but they take meaningfully different paths to get there.
SCHO holds only U.S. Treasury securities maturing in one to three years, which is the closest thing to risk-free investing available in fixed income. There is no credit risk here, just pure government-backed income. That simplicity is the point. BSV holds a broader mix: roughly 70% government bonds alongside about 25% investment-grade corporate debt, with maturities extending out to five years. That extra corporate exposure adds a small layer of credit risk. It’s the kind that stays quiet in good economic times but can surface when recession fears rise and corporate spreads widen.
Both funds charge the same razor-thin fee, so the choice comes down to one question: Do you want pure Treasury safety, or a short-term bond portfolio that reflects the broader investment-grade market? SCHO is the more defensive choice, while BSV is the more complete short-term bond portfolio.
