VBK vs VOT
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBK offers more diversification with 553 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $23.2B | $19.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.45% | 0.62% | |
| Holdings | 553 | 129 | |
| YTD Return | +17.18% | +9.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.40% | +6.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.84% | +15.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.87% | +5.08% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VBK vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +23.40% while VOT returned +6.95%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.18% versus a gain of 9.51% for VOT.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +17.84% per year against +15.94% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +4.87% and +5.08% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.61% annualized vs +9.37%. 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 18.6% for VOT. 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 VOT. 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 0.96. 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 VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, VBK currently yields 0.45% against 0.62% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VOT share 12 holdings out of 650 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VOT?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VOT charges 0.05%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VOT?
Over the past year VBK returned +23.40% vs +6.95% for VOT, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VBK annualized +9.37% vs +9.61% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VOT?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 18.6% for VOT. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VBK and VOT?
VBK and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 VOT?
VBK and VOT share 12 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 650 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VOT?
VBK yields 0.45% while VOT yields 0.62%, so VOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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