VBK vs VXF
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXF offers more diversification with 2462 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $31.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 1.21% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | +17.71% | +17.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.45% | +26.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.91% | +18.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.29% | +6.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VBK vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% while VXF returned +26.88%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.71% versus a gain of 17.50% for VXF.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +16.91% per year against +18.92% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are +5.29% and +6.95% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +9.09%. 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 18.7% for VXF. 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 0.98. 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 VXF charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, VBK currently yields 0.57% against 1.21% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VXF share 424 holdings out of 2580 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VXF?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VXF charges 0.05%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VXF?
Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% vs +26.88% for VXF, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VBK annualized +9.41% vs +9.09% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VXF?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 18.7% for VXF. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VBK and VXF?
VBK and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 VXF?
VBK and VXF share 424 common holdings with a 33.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2580 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VXF?
VBK yields 0.57% while VXF yields 1.21%, so VXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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