VBK vs VIG
VBK vs VIG
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
Quick Verdict
VIG has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBK offers more diversification with 542 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $110.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 1.79% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 335 | |
| YTD Return | +17.71% | +12.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.45% | +20.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.91% | +16.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.29% | +10.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 13.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -48.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Apr 21, 2006 |
VBK vs VIG Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% while VIG returned +20.98%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.71% versus a gain of 12.07% for VIG.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +16.91% per year against +16.55% for VIG; over five years the annualized figures are +5.29% and +10.94% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +8.69%. 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 13.3% for VIG. 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 -48.2% for VIG. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK charges 0.05% per year while VIG charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBK currently yields 0.57% against 1.79% for VIG.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VIG share 48 holdings out of 825 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VBK | Weight in VIG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASY | 0.80% | 0.13% | 0.67% |
| RBA:CA | 0.59% | 0.09% | 0.50% |
| BWXT | 0.49% | 0.08% | 0.41% |
| LII | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RGLD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NDSN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WSO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LECO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TPL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SOLS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VBK shares with VIG 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, VBK or VIG?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VIG charges 0.04%. VIG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VIG?
Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% vs +20.98% for VIG, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VBK annualized +9.41% vs +8.69% for VIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VIG?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VIG -48.2%.
Should I hold both VBK and VIG?
VBK and VIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBK and VIG?
VBK and VIG share 48 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 825 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VIG?
VBK yields 0.57% while VIG yields 1.79%, so VIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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