VBR vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBR offers more diversification with 807 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VBRMore Diversified: VBR

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVBRVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.03%
AUM$36.9B$979.0B
Dividend Yield2.23%1.09%
Holdings853509
YTD Return+17.73%+13.31%
1Y Return+28.12%+24.01%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.39%+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)+10.17%+13.34%
Volatility (annualized)19.0%14.1%
Max Drawdown-64.0%-34.3%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 26, 2004Sep 7, 2010

VBR vs VOO Performance

Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +28.12% while VOO returned +24.01%. Year to date, VBR is up 17.73% versus a gain of 13.31% for VOO.

Over three years, VBR compounded at +15.39% per year against +21.17% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.17% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VBR charges 0.05% per year while VOO 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 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

2.8%overlap

VBR and VOO share 89 holdings out of 1223 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VBRWeight in VOODifference
SNDK1.06%0.52%0.54%
NRG0.78%0.05%0.73%
EME0.73%0.06%0.67%
TPRProProPro
ATOProProPro
JBLProProPro
OMCProProPro
FLEX:SIProProPro
SWR:IEProProPro
WSMProProPro
See all 10 holdings VBR shares with VOO
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VBR or VOO?

VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VBR or VOO?

Over the past year VBR returned +28.12% vs +24.01% for VOO, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VBR annualized +8.03% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VBR or VOO?

VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both VBR and VOO?

VBR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VBR and VOO?

VBR and VOO share 89 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1223 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VOO?

VBR yields 2.23% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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