VBR vs VGK
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF
Quick Verdict
VBR has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGK offers more diversification with 958 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VGK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $36.9B | $30.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 2.94% | |
| Holdings | 853 | 1,251 | |
| YTD Return | +17.62% | +11.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.72% | +23.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.07% | +18.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.64% | +9.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -67.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Mar 4, 2005 |
VBR vs VGK Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +28.72% while VGK returned +23.18%. Year to date, VBR is up 17.62% versus a gain of 11.16% for VGK.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +16.07% per year against +18.17% for VGK; over five years the annualized figures are +9.64% and +9.29% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VBR has the edge at +8.02% annualized vs +3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% compared with 18.5% for VGK. 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 -64.0% for VBR and -67.3% for VGK. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBR charges 0.05% per year while VGK 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, VBR currently yields 2.23% against 2.94% for VGK.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VGK share 3 holdings out of 1764 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBR or VGK?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VGK charges 0.06%. VBR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBR or VGK?
Over the past year VBR returned +28.72% vs +23.18% for VGK, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), VBR annualized +8.02% vs +3.69% for VGK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VGK?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 18.5% for VGK. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VGK -67.3%.
Should I hold both VBR and VGK?
VBR and VGK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBR and VGK?
VBR and VGK share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1764 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VGK?
VBR yields 2.23% while VGK yields 2.94%, so VGK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.