VB vs VBK
VB vs VBK
Vanguard Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VB has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VB offers more diversification with 1112 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VB | VBK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $81.5B | $24.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 0.57% | |
| Holdings | 1,324 | 561 | |
| YTD Return | +17.82% | +17.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +29.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.24% | +16.91% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.18% | +5.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 19.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.0% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VB vs VBK Performance
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VB returned +29.09% while VBK returned +29.45%. Year to date, VB is up 17.82% versus a gain of 17.71% for VBK.
Over three years, VB compounded at +16.24% per year against +16.91% for VBK; over five years the annualized figures are +8.18% and +5.29% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% compared with 18.9% for VB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -61.0% for VB and -59.4% for VBK. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VB charges 0.03% per year while VBK charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VB currently yields 1.48% against 0.57% for VBK.
Holdings Overlap
VB and VBK share 442 holdings out of 1212 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VB | Weight in VBK | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRDO | 0.23% | 1.24% | 1.01% |
| NTRA | 0.35% | 1.01% | 0.66% |
| RVMD | 0.24% | 1.04% | 0.80% |
| ALAB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CASY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TWLO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 0RMV:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CRS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ATI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VB shares with VBK Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VB or VBK?
VB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VBK charges 0.05%. VB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VB or VBK?
Over the past year VB returned +29.09% vs +29.45% for VBK, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VB annualized +8.86% vs +9.41% for VBK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VB or VBK?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 18.9% for VB. Worst drawdown: VB -61.0% vs VBK -59.4%.
Should I hold both VB and VBK?
VB and VBK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VB and VBK?
VB and VBK share 442 common holdings with a 38.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1212 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VB or VBK?
VB yields 1.48% while VBK yields 0.57%, so VB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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