VB vs VBR
VB vs VBR
Vanguard Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF
Quick Verdict
VB has a lower expense ratio. VB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VB offers more diversification with 1112 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VB | VBR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $81.5B | $36.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 2.23% | |
| Holdings | 1,324 | 853 | |
| YTD Return | +17.82% | +17.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +28.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.24% | +15.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.18% | +10.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.0% | -64.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VB vs VBR Performance
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VB returned +29.09% while VBR returned +28.74%. Year to date, VB is up 17.82% versus a gain of 17.75% for VBR.
Over three years, VB compounded at +16.24% per year against +15.64% for VBR; over five years the annualized figures are +8.18% and +10.13% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VB has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -64.0% for VBR. 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 0.98. 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 VBR 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 2.23% for VBR.
Holdings Overlap
VB and VBR share 672 holdings out of 1249 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VB | Weight in VBR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNDK | 1.21% | 1.06% | 0.15% |
| NRG | 0.44% | 0.78% | 0.34% |
| EME | 0.42% | 0.73% | 0.31% |
| TPR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ATO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JBL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| OMC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SWR:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WSM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FLEX:SI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VB shares with VBR 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 VBR?
VB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VBR 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 VBR?
Over the past year VB returned +29.09% vs +28.74% for VBR, so VB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VB annualized +8.86% vs +8.03% for VBR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VB or VBR?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 18.9% for VB. Worst drawdown: VB -61.0% vs VBR -64.0%.
Should I hold both VB and VBR?
VB and VBR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 VBR?
VB and VBR share 672 common holdings with a 53.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1249 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VB or VBR?
VB yields 1.48% while VBR yields 2.23%, so VBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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