VBR vs VNQ
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Real Estate ETF
Which is better, VBR or VNQ?
Small Cap Value against Mid Cap Blend.
VBR has a lower expense ratio. VBR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VBR is less concentrated, with 5.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 49.8%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VNQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.13% |
| AUM | $37.3B | $39.3B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 3.49% |
| Holdings | 847 | 144 |
| YTD Return | +11.44%Best | +4.80% |
| 1Y Return | +16.39%Best | +3.87% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.79%Best | +10.50% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.49%Best | +1.17% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2%Best | 21.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0%Best | -75.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,030Best | $10,599 |
| Top 10 Weight | 5.9%Best | 49.8% |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Value | Mid Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Sep 23, 2004 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 29, 2004 to Sep 25, 2026 (22 years).
VBR vs VNQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 22 years both funds cover.
VBR vs VNQ Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +16.39% while VNQ returned +3.87%. Year to date, VBR is up 11.44% versus a gain of 4.80% for VNQ.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +16.79% per year against +10.50% for VNQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.49% and +1.17% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VBR has the edge at +7.69% annualized vs +3.74%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VNQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% compared with 19.2% for VBR. 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 -75.8% for VNQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 VNQ charges 0.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $13 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBR currently yields 1.76% against 3.49% for VNQ.
Holdings Overlap
9.9% of VBR's money is in holdings VNQ also owns. 29.7% of VNQ's money is in holdings VBR also owns.
VNQ and VBR share little of their money.
78 positions in common, counted across the 836 positions we hold weights for in VBR and 139 in VNQ, against full books of 847 and 144.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 836 and 139 positions we hold weights for.
VBR holds 724 positions VNQ does not, 86.6% of the fund.
Largest: JBL 0.87%, NRG 0.66%, TPR 0.63%, ATO 0.61%, WSM 0.59%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VBR | Weight in VNQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESSEssex Property | 0.40% | 1.11% | 0.71% |
| KIMKimco Realty Corp | 0.36% | 1.04% | 0.68% |
| HSTHost Hotels & Resorts Inc | 0.35% | 1.05% | 0.70% |
| INVHInvitation Homes Inc. Reit | 0.38% | 0.97% | 0.59% |
| JLLJones Lang Lasalle Inc. | 0.31% | 1.01% | 0.70% |
| WPCW.P Carey Inc. | 0.34% | 0.98% | 0.64% |
| MAAMid-america Apartment | 0.35% | 0.93% | 0.58% |
| WYWeyerhaeuser Co. | 0.18% | 1.09% | 0.91% |
| DOCHealthpeak Properties Inc | 0.31% | 0.92% | 0.61% |
| OHIOmega Healthcare Investors Reit In | 0.30% | 0.91% | 0.61% |
29.7% of VNQ is already inside VBR.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBR or VNQ?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VNQ charges 0.13%. VBR is the cheaper option, by $8 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VBR or VNQ?
Over the past year VBR returned +16.39% vs +3.87% for VNQ, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), VBR annualized +7.69% vs +3.74% for VNQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VBR or VNQ?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 19.2% for VBR. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VNQ -75.8%.
Should I hold both VBR and VNQ?
VBR and VNQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VBR and VNQ?
29.7% of VNQ's money is in holdings VBR also owns. 29.7% of VNQ's is in holdings VBR also owns. They hold 78 positions in common, counted across the 836 positions we hold weights for in VBR and 139 in VNQ.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VNQ?
VBR yields 1.76% while VNQ yields 3.49%, so VNQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VNQ better than VBR?
VBR has a lower expense ratio. VBR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VBR is less concentrated, with 5.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 49.8%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.