VBK vs VBR
VBK vs VBR
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF
Quick Verdict
VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBR offers more diversification with 809 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VBR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $36.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 2.23% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 853 | |
| YTD Return | +17.71% | +17.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.45% | +28.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.91% | +15.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.29% | +10.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -64.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VBK vs VBR Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% while VBR returned +28.74%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.71% versus a gain of 17.75% for VBR.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +16.91% per year against +15.64% for VBR; over five years the annualized figures are +5.29% and +10.13% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% compared with 19.0% for VBR. 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 -59.4% for VBK and -64.0% for VBR. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK charges 0.05% per year while VBR charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, VBK currently yields 0.57% against 2.23% for VBR.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VBR share 74 holdings out of 1277 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VBK | Weight in VBR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EME | 0.51% | 0.73% | 0.22% |
| NVT | 0.75% | 0.22% | 0.53% |
| FLEX:SI | 0.41% | 0.53% | 0.12% |
| XPO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UTHR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ILMN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MKSI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TTMI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SOLS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ITT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VBK shares with VBR Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VBR?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VBR charges 0.05%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VBR?
Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% vs +28.74% for VBR, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VBK annualized +9.41% vs +8.03% for VBR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VBR?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 19.0% for VBR. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VBR -64.0%.
Should I hold both VBK and VBR?
VBK and VBR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 VBK and VBR?
VBK and VBR share 74 common holdings with a 7.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1277 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VBR?
VBK yields 0.57% while VBR yields 2.23%, so VBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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