VBR vs VONG
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VBR has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBR offers more diversification with 809 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $36.9B | $44.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 0.54% | |
| Holdings | 853 | 390 | |
| YTD Return | +17.62% | +5.03% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.72% | +11.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.07% | +22.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.64% | +12.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VBR vs VONG Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +28.72% while VONG returned +11.57%. Year to date, VBR is up 17.62% versus a gain of 5.03% for VONG.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +16.07% per year against +22.20% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.64% and +12.72% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.73% annualized vs +8.02%. 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 15.9% for VONG. 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 -32.7% for VONG. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBR charges 0.05% per year while VONG 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 0.54% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VONG share 57 holdings out of 1138 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBR or VONG?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VONG 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 VONG?
Over the past year VBR returned +28.72% vs +11.57% for VONG, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VBR annualized +8.02% vs +15.73% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VONG?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both VBR and VONG?
VBR and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBR and VONG?
VBR and VONG share 57 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VONG?
VBR yields 2.23% while VONG yields 0.54%, so VBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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