VBK vs VO
VBK vs VO
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VO has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBK offers more diversification with 542 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $105.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 1.53% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 293 | |
| YTD Return | +17.71% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.45% | +18.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.91% | +15.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.29% | +8.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VBK vs VO Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% while VO returned +18.00%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.71% versus a gain of 13.82% for VO.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +16.91% per year against +15.98% for VO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.29% and +8.06% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +9.21%. 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 16.9% for VO. 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 -60.3% for VO. 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 0.95. 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 VO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $3 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBK currently yields 0.57% against 1.53% for VO.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VO share 11 holdings out of 810 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VBK | Weight in VO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALAB | 1.02% | 0.36% | 0.66% |
| FLEX:SI | 0.41% | 0.29% | 0.12% |
| TPL | 0.35% | 0.12% | 0.23% |
| ASTS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FSLR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| INSM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EQT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BURL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HUBB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TKO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VBK shares with VO 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 VO?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VO charges 0.03%. VO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VO?
Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% vs +18.00% for VO, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VBK annualized +9.41% vs +9.21% for VO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VO?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 16.9% for VO. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VO -60.3%.
Should I hold both VBK and VO?
VBK and VO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 VO?
VBK and VO share 11 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 810 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VO?
VBK yields 0.57% while VO yields 1.53%, so VO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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