VBK vs VT
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VBK has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $77.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 1.61% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | +18.61% | +14.35% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.26% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.32% | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.63% | +11.08% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jun 24, 2008 |
VBK vs VT Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +28.26% while VT returned +23.56%. Year to date, VBK is up 18.61% versus a gain of 14.35% for VT.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +17.32% per year against +20.65% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +5.63% and +11.08% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.45% annualized vs +7.37%. 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 16.6% for VT. 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 -50.6% for VT. 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 VT 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 1.61% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VT share 425 holdings out of 9044 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VT?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VT 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 VT?
Over the past year VBK returned +28.26% vs +23.56% for VT, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VBK annualized +9.45% vs +7.37% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VT?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 16.6% for VT. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both VBK and VT?
VBK and VT 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 VT?
VBK and VT share 425 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9044 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VT?
VBK yields 0.57% while VT yields 1.61%, so VT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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