VBR vs VOT
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBR offers more diversification with 847 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $37.3B | $19.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 0.62% | |
| Holdings | 847 | 129 | |
| YTD Return | +14.80% | +5.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.71% | +3.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.03% | +13.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.16% | +4.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VBR vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +19.71% while VOT returned +3.98%. Year to date, VBR is up 14.80% versus a gain of 5.82% for VOT.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +16.03% per year against +13.89% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.16% and +4.26% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +7.88%. 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 VOT. 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 -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBR charges 0.05% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, VBR currently yields 1.76% against 0.62% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VOT share 8 holdings out of 949 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBR or VOT?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VOT charges 0.05%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBR or VOT?
Over the past year VBR returned +19.71% vs +3.98% for VOT, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VBR annualized +7.88% vs +9.41% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VOT?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 18.5% for VOT. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VBR and VOT?
VBR and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBR and VOT?
VBR and VOT share 8 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 949 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VOT?
VBR yields 1.76% while VOT yields 0.62%, so VBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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