VBR vs VTV
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Value ETF
Quick Verdict
VTV has a lower expense ratio. VTV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBR offers more diversification with 809 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VTV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $36.9B | $186.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 2.29% | |
| Holdings | 853 | 311 | |
| YTD Return | +17.62% | +18.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.72% | +29.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.07% | +18.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.64% | +12.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -61.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VBR vs VTV Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +28.72% while VTV returned +29.51%. Year to date, VBR is up 17.62% versus a gain of 18.10% for VTV.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +16.07% per year against +18.49% for VTV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.64% and +12.32% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VBR has the edge at +8.02% annualized vs +7.60%. 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 14.5% for VTV. 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 -61.3% for VTV. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBR charges 0.05% per year while VTV 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 2.29% for VTV.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VTV share 6 holdings out of 1111 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBR or VTV?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VTV charges 0.03%. VTV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBR or VTV?
Over the past year VBR returned +28.72% vs +29.51% for VTV, so VTV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VBR annualized +8.02% vs +7.60% for VTV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VTV?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 14.5% for VTV. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VTV -61.3%.
Should I hold both VBR and VTV?
VBR and VTV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VBR and VTV?
VBR and VTV share 6 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VTV?
VBR yields 2.23% while VTV yields 2.29%, so VTV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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