VBK vs VONG
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VBK has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBK offers more diversification with 542 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $44.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 0.54% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 390 | |
| YTD Return | +17.71% | +5.90% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.45% | +13.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.91% | +22.41% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.29% | +12.77% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VBK vs VONG Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% while VONG returned +13.27%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.71% versus a gain of 5.90% for VONG.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +16.91% per year against +22.41% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are +5.29% and +12.77% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.80% annualized vs +9.41%. 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 15.9% for VONG. 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 -32.7% for VONG. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK charges 0.05% per year while VONG 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 0.54% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VONG share 134 holdings out of 794 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VONG?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VONG 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 VONG?
Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% vs +13.27% for VONG, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VBK annualized +9.41% vs +15.80% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VONG?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both VBK and VONG?
VBK and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBK and VONG?
VBK and VONG share 134 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 794 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VONG?
VBK yields 0.57% while VONG yields 0.54%, so VBK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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