VBK vs VTI
VBK vs VTI
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VBK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.94% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.03% | +23.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.65% | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.74% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
VBK vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +26.03% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, VBK is up 14.94% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +15.65% per year against +20.65% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.74% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.30% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -59.4% for VBK and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK charges 0.05% per year while VTI 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, VBK currently yields 0.57% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and VTI share 422 holdings out of 2903 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VBK | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRDO | 1.24% | 0.06% | 1.18% |
| ALAB | 1.02% | 0.10% | 0.92% |
| RVMD | 1.04% | 0.05% | 0.99% |
| NTRA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TWLO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CRS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CASY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FTAI:KY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NVT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VBK shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or VTI?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or VTI?
Over the past year VBK returned +26.03% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VBK annualized +9.30% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or VTI?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VBK and VTI?
VBK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 VBK and VTI?
VBK and VTI share 422 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or VTI?
VBK yields 0.57% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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