VB vs VOT
VB vs VOT
Vanguard Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth 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 | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $81.5B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 1,324 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | +17.82% | +9.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +7.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.24% | +15.11% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.18% | +5.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.0% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VB vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VB returned +29.09% while VOT returned +7.07%. Year to date, VB is up 17.82% versus a gain of 9.25% for VOT.
Over three years, VB compounded at +16.24% per year against +15.11% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +8.18% and +5.46% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.62% annualized vs +8.86%. 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 18.6% for VOT. 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 -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.93. 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 VOT 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 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VB and VOT share 18 holdings out of 1215 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VB | Weight in VOT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BE | 0.43% | 1.79% | 1.36% |
| COHR | 0.53% | 1.69% | 1.16% |
| FIX | 0.65% | 1.53% | 0.88% |
| CIEN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LITE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TER | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RKLB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ALAB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FLEX:SI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ASTS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VB shares with VOT 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 VOT?
VB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOT 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 VOT?
Over the past year VB returned +29.09% vs +7.07% for VOT, so VB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VB annualized +8.86% vs +9.62% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VB or VOT?
VB has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 18.6% for VOT. Worst drawdown: VB -61.0% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VB and VOT?
VB and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 VOT?
VB and VOT share 18 common holdings with a 5.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1215 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VB or VOT?
VB yields 1.48% while VOT yields 0.65%, so VB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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