VBR vs VUG
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBR offers more diversification with 809 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $36.9B | $223.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 853 | 155 | |
| YTD Return | +17.75% | +10.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.74% | +18.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.64% | +24.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.13% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VBR vs VUG Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +28.74% while VUG returned +18.21%. Year to date, VBR is up 17.75% versus a gain of 10.57% for VUG.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +15.64% per year against +24.26% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +10.13% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.30% annualized vs +8.03%. 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 16.5% for VUG. 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 -51.4% for VUG. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBR charges 0.05% per year while VUG 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 0.47% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VUG share 3 holdings out of 952 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 VUG?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VUG charges 0.03%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBR or VUG?
Over the past year VBR returned +28.74% vs +18.21% for VUG, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VBR annualized +8.03% vs +11.30% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VUG?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 16.5% for VUG. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both VBR and VUG?
VBR and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBR and VUG?
VBR and VUG share 3 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 952 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VUG?
VBR yields 2.23% while VUG yields 0.47%, so VBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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