VB vs VWIUX
Vanguard Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VB has a lower expense ratio. VB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 1763 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VB | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $81.5B | $86.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 3.05% | |
| Holdings | 1,324 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +17.82% | -1.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +1.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.24% | +0.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.18% | -1.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.0% | -16.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VB vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VB returned +29.09% while VWIUX returned +1.26%. Year to date, VB is up 17.82% versus a loss of 1.23% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VB compounded at +16.24% per year against +0.62% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +8.18% and -1.74% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VB has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -1.74%. 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 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.3% for VWIUX. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VB charges 0.03% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VB currently yields 1.48% against 3.05% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VB and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 2875 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 VWIUX?
VB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VB or VWIUX?
Over the past year VB returned +29.09% vs +1.26% for VWIUX, so VB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VB annualized +8.86% vs -1.74% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VB or VWIUX?
VB has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VB -61.0% vs VWIUX -16.3%.
Should I hold both VB and VWIUX?
VB and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VB and VWIUX?
VB and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2875 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VB or VWIUX?
VB yields 1.48% while VWIUX yields 3.05%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular Fund Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.