VB vs VONG
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VB has a lower expense ratio. VB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VB offers more diversification with 1,311 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VB | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $79.7B | $51.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 0.48% | |
| Holdings | 1,311 | 373 | |
| YTD Return | +17.13% | +5.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.90% | +11.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.26% | +22.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.59% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.0% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VB vs VONG Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (VB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VB returned +21.90% while VONG returned +11.23%. Year to date, VB is up 17.13% versus a gain of 5.36% for VONG.
Over three years, VB compounded at +17.26% per year against +22.55% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are +7.59% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.71% annualized vs +8.81%. 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 15.9% for VONG. 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 -32.7% for VONG. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VB charges 0.03% per year while VONG charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VB currently yields 1.22% against 0.48% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
VB and VONG share 183 holdings out of 1489 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VB or VONG?
VB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VONG charges 0.06%. VB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VB or VONG?
Over the past year VB returned +21.90% vs +11.23% for VONG, so VB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VB annualized +8.81% vs +15.71% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VB or VONG?
VB has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: VB -61.0% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both VB and VONG?
VB and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VB and VONG?
VB and VONG share 183 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1489 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VB or VONG?
VB yields 1.22% while VONG yields 0.48%, so VB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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