VB vs. VEA

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VB returned 11.08%/yr vs 10.05%/yr for VEA. Their 0.77 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VB vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VB achieves a 15.19% return, which is significantly higher than VEA's 13.84% return. Over the past 10 years, VB has outperformed VEA with an annualized return of 11.08%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively lower 10.05% annualized return.

VB

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: -1.73%
• 6M: 10.09%
• YTD: 15.19%
• 1Y: 25.91%
• 3Y*: 14.02%
• 5Y*: 7.45%
• 10Y*: 11.08%
• ALL TIME*: 9.88%

VEA

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: -0.27%
• 6M: 7.42%
• YTD: 13.84%
• 1Y: 29.71%
• 3Y*: 18.08%
• 5Y*: 9.76%
• 10Y*: 10.05%
• ALL TIME*: 5.13%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	$121.48M	$119.40M	$165.11M
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	$674.44M	$796.70M	$806.62M

VB vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	15.19%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	13.84%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between VB and VEA is 0.74, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2007	0.77

The correlation between VB and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

VB vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VB	VEA
Industrials	19.9%	17.9%
Technology	17.9%	18.4%
Healthcare	12.5%	7.9%
Financial Services	12.4%	23.1%
Consumer Cyclical	11.6%	7.3%
Real Estate	7.9%	2.5%
Basic Materials	4.4%	6.9%
Energy	3.9%	4.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	5.3%
Utilities	3.3%	3.1%
Communication Services	2.9%	3.2%

Return for Risk

VB vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 69
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 78

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 75
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 75
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 76

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VB vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	VB	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	1.71	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	2.37	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.31	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	2.53	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.73	9.44	+0.29

VB vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VB Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VB and VEA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VB vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, roughly equal to the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VB	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-60.68%	+1.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-11.63%	+2.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.36%	-13.45%	-11.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.15%	-29.71%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.05%	-35.73%	-6.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.63%	-2.45%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.39%	-13.20%	+4.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.46%	3.10%	-0.64%

Volatility

VB vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) is 3.36%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 5.40%. This indicates that VB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VB	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.36%	5.40%	-2.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.01%	15.40%	-3.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.47%	17.25%	-0.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.69%	16.84%	+3.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.37%	17.21%	+4.16%

VB vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VB and VEA have an expense ratio of 0.03%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VB vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, less than VEA's 2.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.22%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.57%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VB and VEA in my portfolio?

VB and VEA have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VB or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (5.40%) compared to VB (3.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, VB or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VB leads with 11.08% vs 10.05% for VEA. Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 3.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VB or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VB has performed better with a 11.08% return vs 10.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VB or VEA?

VB and VEA have the same expense ratio: 0.03% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VB or VEA?

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.57%, compared with 1.22% for VB.

What is the main difference between VB and VEA?

VB is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.46), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.