VB vs VTEB
VB vs VTEB
Vanguard Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTEB offers more diversification with 3533 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VB | VTEB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $81.5B | $46.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 3.34% | |
| Holdings | 1,324 | 9,952 | |
| YTD Return | +17.82% | +0.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +5.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.24% | +3.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.18% | +0.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 4.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.0% | -17.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Aug 21, 2015 |
VB vs VTEB Performance
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VB returned +29.09% while VTEB returned +5.15%. Year to date, VB is up 17.82% versus a gain of 0.57% for VTEB.
Over three years, VB compounded at +16.24% per year against +3.20% for VTEB; over five years the annualized figures are +8.18% and +0.58% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VB has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +1.27%. 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 4.9% for VTEB. 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 -17.0% for VTEB. 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VB charges 0.03% per year while VTEB charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VB currently yields 1.48% against 3.34% for VTEB.
Holdings Overlap
VB and VTEB share 0 holdings out of 4645 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 VTEB?
VB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTEB charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VB or VTEB?
Over the past year VB returned +29.09% vs +5.15% for VTEB, so VB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VB annualized +8.86% vs +1.27% for VTEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VB or VTEB?
VB has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 4.9% for VTEB. Worst drawdown: VB -61.0% vs VTEB -17.0%.
Should I hold both VB and VTEB?
VB and VTEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VB and VTEB?
VB and VTEB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4645 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VB or VTEB?
VB yields 1.48% while VTEB yields 3.34%, so VTEB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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