VBK vs VOO
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBK offers more diversification with 553 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $23.2B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.45% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 553 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.29% | +12.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.29% | +20.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.56% | +21.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.16% | +13.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VBK vs VOO Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +23.29% while VOO returned +20.14%. Year to date, VBK is up 16.29% versus a gain of 12.76% for VOO.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +17.56% per year against +21.69% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.16% and +13.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +9.33%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK charges 0.05% per year while VOO 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 0.45% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VOO share 32 holdings out of 1014 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VOO?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VOO?
Over the past year VBK returned +23.29% vs +20.14% for VOO, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VBK annualized +9.33% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VOO?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VBK and VOO?
VBK and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBK and VOO?
VBK and VOO share 32 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1014 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VOO?
VBK yields 0.45% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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