VBR vs VWIUX
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VBR has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $37.3B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 847 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +16.61% | -1.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.29% | +1.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.96% | +0.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.24% | -1.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VBR vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +24.29% while VWIUX returned +1.04%. Year to date, VBR is up 16.61% versus a loss of 1.59% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +16.96% per year against +0.67% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +10.24% and -1.78% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VBR has the edge at +7.97% annualized vs -1.78%. 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 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBR charges 0.05% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $9 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBR currently yields 1.76% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 2598 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 VWIUX?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VBR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBR or VWIUX?
Over the past year VBR returned +24.29% vs +1.04% for VWIUX, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VBR annualized +7.97% vs -1.78% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VWIUX?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both VBR and VWIUX?
VBR and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBR and VWIUX?
VBR and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2598 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VWIUX?
VBR yields 1.76% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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