VBR vs VV
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Large-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VV has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBR offers more diversification with 809 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $36.9B | $52.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 1.25% | |
| Holdings | 853 | 446 | |
| YTD Return | +17.75% | +13.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.74% | +23.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.64% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.13% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 14.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -56.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 27, 2004 |
VBR vs VV Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Large-Cap ETF (VV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +28.74% while VV returned +23.22%. Year to date, VBR is up 17.75% versus a gain of 13.62% for VV.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +15.64% per year against +21.70% for VV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.13% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VV has the edge at +9.53% 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 14.8% for VV. 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 -56.0% for VV. 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 VV 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 1.25% for VV.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VV share 11 holdings out of 1229 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBR or VV?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VV charges 0.03%. VV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBR or VV?
Over the past year VBR returned +28.74% vs +23.22% for VV, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VBR annualized +8.03% vs +9.53% for VV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VV?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 14.8% for VV. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VV -56.0%.
Should I hold both VBR and VV?
VBR and VV 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 VV?
VBR and VV share 11 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1229 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VV?
VBR yields 2.23% while VV yields 1.25%, so VBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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