VBR vs VT
VBR vs VT
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VBR has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $36.9B | $77.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 1.61% | |
| Holdings | 853 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | +17.75% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.74% | +25.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.64% | +20.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.13% | +11.17% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jun 24, 2008 |
VBR vs VT Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +28.74% while VT returned +25.25%. Year to date, VBR is up 17.75% versus a gain of 14.19% for VT.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +15.64% per year against +20.36% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +10.13% and +11.17% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VBR has the edge at +8.03% annualized vs +7.37%. 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 16.6% for VT. 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 -50.6% for VT. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBR charges 0.05% per year while VT 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 1.61% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VT share 625 holdings out of 9111 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VBR | Weight in VT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNDK | 1.06% | 0.14% | 0.92% |
| NRG | 0.78% | 0.03% | 0.75% |
| EME | 0.73% | 0.04% | 0.69% |
| TPR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ATO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JBL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| OMC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WSM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CHRW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CNHI:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VBR shares with VT Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBR or VT?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VT 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 VT?
Over the past year VBR returned +28.74% vs +25.25% for VT, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VBR annualized +8.03% vs +7.37% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VT?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 16.6% for VT. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both VBR and VT?
VBR and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBR and VT?
VBR and VT share 625 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VT?
VBR yields 2.23% while VT yields 1.61%, so VBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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