VBR vs VTEB
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VTEB has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTEB offers more diversification with 3533 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VTEB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $36.9B | $46.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 3.34% | |
| Holdings | 853 | 9,952 | |
| YTD Return | +17.42% | +0.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.50% | +4.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.85% | +3.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.84% | +0.57% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 4.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -17.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Aug 21, 2015 |
VBR vs VTEB Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +28.50% while VTEB returned +4.96%. Year to date, VBR is up 17.42% versus a gain of 0.51% for VTEB.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +15.85% per year against +3.17% for VTEB; over five years the annualized figures are +9.84% and +0.57% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VBR has the edge at +8.01% annualized vs +1.26%. 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 4.9% for VTEB. 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 -17.0% for VTEB. 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBR charges 0.05% per year while VTEB charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $3 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBR currently yields 2.23% against 3.34% for VTEB.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VTEB share 0 holdings out of 4342 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBR or VTEB?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VTEB charges 0.03%. VTEB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBR or VTEB?
Over the past year VBR returned +28.50% vs +4.96% for VTEB, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VBR annualized +8.01% vs +1.26% for VTEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VTEB?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 4.9% for VTEB. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VTEB -17.0%.
Should I hold both VBR and VTEB?
VBR and VTEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBR and VTEB?
VBR and VTEB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4342 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VTEB?
VBR yields 2.23% while VTEB yields 3.34%, so VTEB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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