VBR vs VXF
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXF offers more diversification with 3,385 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $37.3B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 847 | 3,385 | |
| YTD Return | +14.80% | +13.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.71% | +17.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.03% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.16% | +5.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VBR vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +19.71% while VXF returned +17.51%. Year to date, VBR is up 14.80% versus a gain of 13.09% for VXF.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +16.03% per year against +18.02% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are +9.16% and +5.74% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +8.89% annualized vs +7.88%. 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 18.7% for VXF. 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 0.95. 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 VXF charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, VBR currently yields 1.76% against 1.03% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VXF share 721 holdings out of 3410 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBR or VXF?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VXF charges 0.05%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBR or VXF?
Over the past year VBR returned +19.71% vs +17.51% for VXF, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VBR annualized +7.88% vs +8.89% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VXF?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 18.7% for VXF. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VBR and VXF?
VBR and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 VXF?
VBR and VXF share 721 common holdings with a 38.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3410 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VXF?
VBR yields 1.76% while VXF yields 1.03%, so VBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.