VBK vs VGK
VBK vs VGK
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF
Quick Verdict
VBK has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGK offers more diversification with 958 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VGK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $30.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 2.94% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 1,251 | |
| YTD Return | +17.71% | +11.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.45% | +23.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.91% | +18.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.29% | +9.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -67.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Mar 4, 2005 |
VBK vs VGK Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% while VGK returned +23.34%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.71% versus a gain of 11.52% for VGK.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +16.91% per year against +18.09% for VGK; over five years the annualized figures are +5.29% and +9.58% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +3.71%. 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 18.5% for VGK. 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 -67.3% for VGK. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK charges 0.05% per year while VGK charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $6 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBK currently yields 0.57% against 2.94% for VGK.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VGK share 1 holdings out of 1499 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VBK | Weight in VGK | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXHO:PA | 0.04% | 0.01% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VGK?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VGK charges 0.06%. VBK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VGK?
Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% vs +23.34% for VGK, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), VBK annualized +9.41% vs +3.71% for VGK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VGK?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 18.5% for VGK. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VGK -67.3%.
Should I hold both VBK and VGK?
VBK and VGK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBK and VGK?
VBK and VGK share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1499 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VGK?
VBK yields 0.57% while VGK yields 2.94%, so VGK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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