VBK vs. VONG

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) and VONG (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VBK is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index, while VONG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VBK returned 11.47%/yr vs 18.32%/yr for VONG. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VBK charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VONG.

Performance

VBK vs. VONG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBK achieves a 14.03% return, which is significantly higher than VONG's 4.12% return. Over the past 10 years, VBK has underperformed VONG with an annualized return of 11.47%, while VONG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.32% annualized return.

VBK

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 14.03%
• 6M: 12.70%
• 1Y: 27.37%
• 3Y*: 16.31%
• 5Y*: 4.73%
• 10Y*: 11.47%

VONG

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -0.46%
• YTD: 4.12%
• 6M: 3.06%
• 1Y: 21.24%
• 3Y*: 23.77%
• 5Y*: 14.57%
• 10Y*: 18.32%

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

VBK vs. VONG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	14.03%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	4.12%	18.45%	33.20%	42.67%	-29.18%	27.60%	38.30%	36.06%	-1.53%	30.05%

Correlation

The correlation between VBK and VONG is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2010	0.83

The correlation between VBK and VONG shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (1 year) to 0.83 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VBK vs. VONG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VBK	VONG
Technology	25.9%	51.4%
Industrials	24.7%	5.7%
Healthcare	15.3%	7.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	13.2%
Financial Services	5.6%	5.3%
Energy	4.8%	0.4%
Real Estate	3.9%	0.4%
Communication Services	3.5%	13.2%
Basic Materials	3.2%	0.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	2.7%
Utilities	1.2%	0.3%

Return for Risk

VBK vs. VONG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 48
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 57

VONG

VONG Risk / Return Rank: 37
VONG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VONG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VONG Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VONG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VONG Martin Ratio Rank: 32

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

VBK vs. VONG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). 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.

	VBK	VONG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.36	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.96	1.87	+0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.24	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.40	1.31	+1.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.10	4.39	+4.71
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VBK vs. VONG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBK Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the VONG Sharpe Ratio of 1.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBK and VONG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VBK	VONG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.40	1.36	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20	0.69	-0.48
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.88	-0.38
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.89	-0.46

Drawdowns

VBK vs. VONG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBK drawdown since its inception was -58.68%, which is greater than VONG's maximum drawdown of -32.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBK and VONG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBK	VONG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.68%	-32.72%	-25.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.44%	-16.23%	+4.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.54%	-23.27%	-4.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.39%	-32.72%	-5.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.70%	-32.72%	-5.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.91%	-4.47%	+0.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.15%	-4.88%	-5.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	4.85%	-1.83%

Volatility

VBK vs. VONG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a higher volatility of 6.43% compared to Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) at 4.78%. This indicates that VBK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VONG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBK	VONG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.43%	4.78%	+1.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.18%	12.08%	+3.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.65%	15.71%	+3.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.54%	21.38%	+2.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.90%	20.90%	+2.00%

VBK vs. VONG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBK has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VONG's 0.06% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VBK vs. VONG - Dividend Comparison

VBK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, more than VONG's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.46%	0.54%	0.54%	0.68%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.82%	1.08%	0.98%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.44%	0.45%	0.55%	0.71%	0.98%	0.58%	0.77%	1.03%	1.18%	1.19%	1.48%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBK and VONG in my portfolio?

VBK and VONG have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VBK or VONG?

VBK has higher volatility (6.43%) compared to VONG (4.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBK dropped -58.68% vs VONG's -32.72%.

Which ETF is better, VBK or VONG?

On 10-year performance, VONG leads with 18.32% vs 11.47% for VBK. On fees, VBK is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VONG has been the lower-risk option at 4.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VBK or VONG?

Over the 10-year period, VONG has performed better with a 18.32% return vs 11.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VBK or VONG?

VBK is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for VONG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VBK or VONG?

VBK has the higher dividend yield at 0.46%, compared with 0.44% for VONG.

What is the main difference between VBK and VONG?

VBK is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while VONG is Large Cap Growth Equities. VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index, while VONG tracks Russell 1000 Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VBK and 0.06% for VONG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs 1.36), 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.