VB vs VDIGX
VB vs VDIGX
Vanguard Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class
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 | VDIGX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.22% | |
| AUM | $81.5B | $36.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 1.87% | |
| Holdings | 1,324 | 55 | |
| YTD Return | +17.82% | -0.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | -8.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.24% | -3.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.18% | -2.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.0% | -32.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | May 15, 1992 |
VB vs VDIGX Performance
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class (VDIGX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VB returned +29.09% while VDIGX returned -8.99%. Year to date, VB is up 17.82% versus a loss of 0.21% for VDIGX.
Over three years, VB compounded at +16.24% per year against -3.09% for VDIGX; over five years the annualized figures are +8.18% and -2.76% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VB has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -2.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% compared with 16.1% for VDIGX. 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 -32.6% for VDIGX. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VB charges 0.03% per year while VDIGX charges 0.22%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $22 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VB currently yields 1.48% against 1.87% for VDIGX.
Holdings Overlap
VB and VDIGX share 0 holdings out of 1159 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VB or VDIGX?
VB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VDIGX charges 0.22%. VB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VB or VDIGX?
Over the past year VB returned +29.09% vs -8.99% for VDIGX, so VB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VB annualized +8.86% vs -2.76% for VDIGX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VB or VDIGX?
VB has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 16.1% for VDIGX. Worst drawdown: VB -61.0% vs VDIGX -32.6%.
Should I hold both VB and VDIGX?
VB and VDIGX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VB and VDIGX?
VB and VDIGX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1159 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VB or VDIGX?
VB yields 1.48% while VDIGX yields 1.87%, so VDIGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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