VBK vs VV
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Large-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VV has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBK offers more diversification with 553 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $23.2B | $52.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.45% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 553 | 437 | |
| YTD Return | +17.18% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.40% | +20.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.84% | +22.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.87% | +12.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -56.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 27, 2004 |
VBK vs VV Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Large-Cap ETF (VV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +23.40% while VV returned +20.36%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.18% versus a gain of 13.38% for VV.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +17.84% per year against +22.17% for VV; over five years the annualized figures are +4.87% and +12.53% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VV has the edge at +9.49% 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 14.8% for VV. 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 -56.0% for VV. 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 0.90. 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 VV 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 1.03% for VV.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VV share 12 holdings out of 960 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VV?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VV charges 0.03%. VV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VV?
Over the past year VBK returned +23.40% vs +20.36% for VV, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VBK annualized +9.37% vs +9.49% for VV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VV?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.8% for VV. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VV -56.0%.
Should I hold both VBK and VV?
VBK and VV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 VV?
VBK and VV share 12 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 960 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VV?
VBK yields 0.45% while VV yields 1.03%, so VV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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