VIOV vs VBR: Which Small Cap ETF Is Better?

We compare VIOV vs VBR:

Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF (VIOV) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) are both among the best small-cap exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

These two ETFs are very popular.

This article will help you decide between VIOV vs VBR.

 

VIOV vs VBR

The main difference between VIOV and VBR is their expense ratio.  VIOV has an expense ratio of 0.15%, while VBR has an expense ratio of 0.07%.  This means VIOV is more than twice as expensive compared to VBR.

Investment costs can make a significant difference over the long term.

VIOV has an expense ratio of 0.15%

VBR has an expense ratio of 0.07%

Another difference is the index these ETFs track.  For example, VIOV tracks the S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index while VBR tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index.

VIOV

• Tracks the S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index
• Expense Ratio: 0.15%
• Number Of Stocks: 463
• Dividend Yield 1.56%

VBR

• Tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index
• Expense Ratio: 0.07%
• Number Of Stocks: 927
• Dividend Yield 1.82%

Lastly, another significant difference is the number of stocks in each, with VIOV having 463 different companies compared to 927 with VBR.

 

VIOV vs VBR Performance

VIOV and VBR have performed similarly over the last 10 years, with VIOV only beating VBR by only 0.03% annually.

However, that does not guarantee the next 10 years will look the same.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of their performance:

Here is VIOV vs VBR performance on a chart:

As you can see, VIOV and VBR performance have overlapped over the last 10 years, with a difference of only 0.03% annually.

Similarities between VIOV and VBR:

• Vanguard ETFs
• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
• Similar Performance
• Focus On Small Cap Companies

 

VIOV and VBR Differences

The primary difference between VIOV and VBR is the index they track.  VIOV tracks the S&P Small-Cap 600 Value Index, while VBR tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index.

Another difference between VIOV and VBR is the number of stocks in each, with VIOV having 463 different companies compared to 927 with VBR.

This hasn’t made a difference in their performance.  They are both focused on US small-cap stocks.

However, the increased holdings give VBR more diversification within the small-cap sector and less volatility.

Both are passively managed Vanguard ETFs with relatively low expense ratios (0.15% vs 0.07%).

You keep more of your returns by investing in ETFs with low expense ratios.  This can make a big difference over time.

Differences between VIOV and VBR:

• Expense Ratio (0.15% vs 0.07%)
• Number Of Holdings (463 vs 927)
• Index The Fund Tracks
• Level Of Diversification
• Level Of Volatility

 

VIOV vs VBR Holdings

Vanguard’s VIOV has fewer holdings than VBR (463 vs 927).  They also have very different top 10 holdings with no overlapping companies in their top 10 holdings.

VIOV’s top 10 holdings make up 7% of its total holdings compared to 5% with VBR.

This makes VIOV less diversified compared to VBR.  As a result, VIOV’s performance will also have more volatility depending on the performance of these top 10 holdings.

Here is VIOV and VBR’s top 10 holdings side by side:

VIOV and VBR are primarily made up of U.S Small-Cap Companies.

 

VIOV and VBR Holdings Overlap

There is an overlap between VIOV and VBR that includes 263 stocks.  Roughly 57% of VIOV’s holdings are included in VBR, and 29% of VBR’s holdings are in VIOV.

Here are VIOV and VBR holdings overlap:

There is an overlap by weight of about 14%:

This gives VBR more diversification compared to VIOV.

 

VIOV Profile

• Fund Inception: 2010
• Expense Ratio: 0.15%
• Number Of Stocks: 463
• Top 10 Holdings: 7%

Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF (VIOV) is focused on small-cap companies. As a result, the price-to-earning (P/E) ratio for VIOV is 13x, which is low compared to other ETFs.  This makes sense since the ETF is tracking value companies rather than growth.

The fund has $1.4 billion in total net assets.

 

VIOV Performance

Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF (VIOV) has underperformed the S&P 500 and, therefore, Vanguard 500 Index Fund ETF (VOO) over the last 10 years:

VIOV has averaged an excellent 11% return over the previous 10 years.

However, remember that this does not guarantee that the next 10 years will look the same.

 

VIOV Holdings

Vanguard’s VIOV comprises Helmerich & Payne, South Jersey Industries, BankUnited, Insight Enterprises, and First Hawaiian and provides exposure to over 400 stocks.

The top 10 holdings make up 7% of the portfolio.

This makes VIOV highly diversified within the U.S. small-cap sector. However, investors seeking broader diversification can consider other ETFs, such as Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund ETF (VTI).

 

VBR Profile

• Fund Inception: 2004
• Expense Ratio: 0.07%
• Number Of Stocks: 927
• Top 10 Holdings: 5%

Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is focused on small-capitalization value stocks.  As a result, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio for VBR is 12 x, which is low.

That is expected with a value index.  The fund has $50 billion in total net assets.

VBR was created in 2004 and has an expense ratio of 0.07%.  This is less expensive than VIOV, which has an expense ratio of 0.15%.

Here is what a 0.08% fee (difference between VIOV and VBR) will cost over 30 years.

Assuming you start with an initial investment of $100,000 and contribute $10,000 yearly over 30 years.  You will have roughly ~$60,000 less in your account.

This does not include costs to buy and sell your shares.

 

VBR Performance

Vanguard’s VBR has underperformed the S&P 500 over the last 10 years but not by much.

VBR has averaged an 11% return over the last 10 years which is excellent.

However, remember that this does not guarantee that the next 10 years will look the same.

 

VBR Holdings

Vanguard VBR’s top 10 holdings include Molina Healthcare, Quanta, Signature Bank, Marathon Oil, and Constellation Energy.  The ETF also provides exposure to over 900 stocks.

The top 10 holdings make up over 5% of the portfolio.  This gives VBR diversification within the small-cap sector but not broad diversification like other ETFs like the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund ETF (VTI).

 

No Minimum Investment

VIOV and VBR are exchange-traded funds (ETFs), so there is no minimum investment.  Investors looking to buy fractional shares can use platforms like M1 Finance.

Typically, fractional shares are not available for ETFs, but with M1 Finance, you can purchase fractional shares with no commission.

Buying fractional shares allows you to maximize your investment.  This is great for shares of VIOV or VBR due to their high prices per share.

There are two easy ways to invest in VIOV or VBR commission-free:

1. Vanguard
2. M1 Finance (Use this link for $50 when you open a new account)

Both of these options are free.  This is important because fees can lower our returns.

M1 Finance is the best option because it allows you to purchase VIOV, VBR, and thousands of other stocks.

I also use Personal Capital to track my investment fees. They have a free Retirement Fee Analyzer that tells you the future impact of fees on your portfolio.

Personal Capital’s free tools allow you to quickly find which of your investments has high fees so you can switch them to low-cost options.  (Get a $20 Amazon Gift Card with this link when you add at least one investment account containing a balance of more than $1,000 within 30 days)

 

Which Is Better VIOV or VBR?

VIOV and VBR are similar investments.  However, VBR is better because it has a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.07%.  In addition, they both offer investors the ability to invest in the U.S Small Cap Value Market.

VBR offers similar returns with less volatility and lower cost than VIOV.

The expense ratio difference between these two ETFs significantly affects total returns.  Especially when you consider you are essentially getting the same market exposure.

You can further keep costs down by buying and selling shares commission-free.

Again a great way to do this is with M1 Finance.

You can purchase fractional shares for free, allowing you to buy VBR, VIOV, and thousands of other stocks/ETFs.

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• VOO vs VOOG
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• VUG vs VOO
• VUG vs SCHG
• VB vs VBK

 

Is VIOV or VBR Better for Financial Independence?

VIOV and VBR can help you reach Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE).  They both have similar returns on investment.  They also have performed excellently over the last 10 years.

I prefer VBR because I’m a big fan of keeping fees to a minimum.  It doesn’t get much better than VBR, with a tiny expense ratio of 0.07%.

I would also suggest looking into other funds that give you more diversification, like VTSAX.

Calculate Your FI Number With My Free FIRE Calculator

 

My Winner: VBR

My winner is VBR based on the increased diversification and lower expense ratio.

Both ETFs have low expense ratios and have performed well over the last decade.

There is also no guarantee that the next 10 years will look the same, but with their low cost, I believe VIOV and VBR can make a great addition to an investor’s portfolio.

You would likely want to consider other index funds with more diversification into different sectors or countries as a core holding.