VBK vs VWIUX
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VBK has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 1763 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $86.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 3.05% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +18.61% | -1.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.26% | +1.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.32% | +0.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.63% | -1.73% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VBK vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +28.26% while VWIUX returned +1.19%. Year to date, VBK is up 18.61% versus a loss of 1.30% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +17.32% per year against +0.55% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +5.63% and -1.73% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.45% annualized vs -1.73%. 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 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK charges 0.05% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $9 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBK currently yields 0.57% against 3.05% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 2305 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VWIUX?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VBK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VWIUX?
Over the past year VBK returned +28.26% vs +1.19% for VWIUX, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VBK annualized +9.45% vs -1.73% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VWIUX?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both VBK and VWIUX?
VBK and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBK and VWIUX?
VBK and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2305 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VWIUX?
VBK yields 0.57% while VWIUX yields 3.05%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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