VOE vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

VOE (Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOE is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mid Cap Value Index, while VBK is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOE returned 10.60%/yr vs 11.88%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.05% expense ratio.

Performance

VOE vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOE achieves a 11.03% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 18.15% return. Over the past 10 years, VOE has underperformed VBK with an annualized return of 10.60%, while VBK has yielded a comparatively higher 11.88% annualized return.

VOE

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 2.46%
• YTD: 11.03%
• 6M: 11.11%
• 1Y: 23.69%
• 3Y*: 15.08%
• 5Y*: 9.72%
• 10Y*: 10.60%

VBK

• 1D: 1.84%
• 1M: 7.29%
• YTD: 18.15%
• 6M: 18.64%
• 1Y: 32.71%
• 3Y*: 16.94%
• 5Y*: 5.58%
• 10Y*: 11.88%

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

VOE vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOE Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF	11.03%	12.08%	14.00%	9.85%	-7.97%	28.78%	2.65%	27.85%	-12.48%	17.07%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	18.15%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%

Correlation

The correlation between VOE and VBK is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 25, 2006	0.86

The correlation between VOE and VBK shifts across timeframes, from 0.70 (1 year) to 0.86 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VOE vs. VBK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOE	VBK
Financial Services	16.5%	5.6%
Industrials	14.0%	24.7%
Energy	12.8%	4.8%
Utilities	12.1%	1.2%
Technology	10.9%	25.9%
Consumer Defensive	7.9%	2.4%
Healthcare	6.3%	15.3%
Real Estate	6.0%	3.9%
Basic Materials	5.8%	3.2%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	9.6%
Communication Services	2.2%	3.5%

Return for Risk

VOE vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOE

VOE Risk / Return Rank: 70
VOE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VOE Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VOE Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VOE Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VOE Martin Ratio Rank: 74

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 54
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

VOE vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). 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.

	VOE	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	1.64	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	2.27	+0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.28	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.44	2.87	+0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.00	10.76	+2.24

VOE vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOE Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOE and VBK, 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

VOE vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOE drawdown since its inception was -61.50%, roughly equal to the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOE and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOE	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.50%	-58.68%	-2.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.93%	-11.44%	+4.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.45%	-27.54%	+9.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.70%	-38.39%	+18.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.18%	-38.70%	-4.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.70%	-0.44%	-1.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.33%	-10.14%	+1.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.83%	3.05%	-1.22%

Volatility

VOE vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE) is 3.39%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 7.27%. This indicates that VOE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOE	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.39%	7.27%	-3.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.35%	15.64%	-7.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.63%	20.04%	-8.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.03%	23.62%	-7.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.84%	22.93%	-4.09%

VOE vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VOE and VBK have an expense ratio of 0.05%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VOE vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

VOE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.87%, more than VBK's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.44%	0.54%	0.54%	0.68%	0.55%	0.36%	0.44%	0.57%	0.79%	0.82%	1.08%	0.98%
VOE Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF	1.87%	2.10%	2.11%	2.27%	2.27%	1.78%	2.36%	2.05%	2.75%	1.86%	1.92%	2.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOE and VBK in my portfolio?

VOE and VBK have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VOE or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (7.27%) compared to VOE (3.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOE dropped -61.50% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which ETF is better, VOE or VBK?

On 10-year performance, VBK leads with 11.88% vs 10.60% for VOE. Both ETFs have the same 0.05% expense ratio. On volatility, VOE has been the lower-risk option at 3.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOE or VBK?

Over the 10-year period, VBK has performed better with a 11.88% return vs 10.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOE or VBK?

VOE and VBK have the same expense ratio: 0.05% per year.

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

VOE has the higher dividend yield at 1.87%, compared with 0.44% for VBK.

What is the main difference between VOE and VBK?

VOE is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while VBK is Small Cap Growth Equities. VOE tracks CRSP US Mid Cap Value Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.64), 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.