IJR vs VB: Head-to-Head Comparison
IJR vs VB: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has an expense ratio of 0.06% while Vanguard Small-Cap ETF charges 0.05%. IJR holds 600 securities vs VB's 1,400. 5-year returns: 9.50% vs 9.00%.
Last updated: April 2026
Small Cap
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJR | VB |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% |
| AUM | $80.0B | $55.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 1.40% |
| Holdings | 600 | 1,400 |
| 1-Year Return | 11.00% | 10.00% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 9.50% | 9.00% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 9.00% | 8.50% |
| Beta | 1.12 | 1.15 |
| P/E Ratio | 18.5 | 20.5 |
IJR 5-year annualized return is 9.50% compared to VB's 9.00%. Over 10 years, IJR returned 9.00% vs VB's 8.50%.
View data table
| Period | IJR Return | VB Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.20% | 2.00% |
| 1 Year | 11.00% | 10.00% |
| 3 Year | 6.00% | 5.00% |
| 5 Year | 9.50% | 9.00% |
| 10 Year | 9.00% | 8.50% |
Key Differences Between IJR and VB
IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) is a us small-cap fund managed by BlackRock. IJR tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, which screens for profitability before including companies, making it a higher-quality small-cap option. Unlike broader small-cap indexes, the S&P 600 requires positive earnings, filtering out unprofitable speculative companies. This quality screen has historically helped IJR deliver better risk-adjusted returns than many competing small-cap funds.
VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) is a us small-cap fund managed by Vanguard. VB tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Index, providing exposure to a broad range of small U.S. companies with higher growth potential but also more volatility. Small-cap stocks have historically outperformed larger companies over very long periods, though with bumpier rides along the way. This fund is a low-cost way to tap into the entrepreneurial engine of the American economy.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.06% vs 0.05%), number of holdings (600 vs 1,400), and 5-year returns (9.50% vs 9.00%).
IJR vs VB multi-factor comparison: IJR has a 0.06% expense ratio, 9.50% 5-year return, 600 holdings, 1.12 beta, and 1.50% yield. VB has 0.05% expense ratio, 9.00% 5-year return, 1,400 holdings, 1.15 beta, and 1.40% yield.
View data table
| Metric | IJR | VB |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% |
| 5-Year Return | 9.50% | 9.00% |
| Holdings | 600 | 1,400 |
| Beta | 1.12 | 1.15 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 1.40% |
Want the full framework? This 2-hour ETF course teaches you exactly how to pick, buy, and hold profitable ETFs — from zero to confident investor. Under $15.
Ready to invest? Open an IBKR account in 10 minutes and get free stock. $0 commissions on US ETFs • Fractional shares from $1 • 150+ global markets.
Holdings Overlap Analysis
5%
Holdings Overlap
IJR and VB share only 5% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
IJR and VB share 5% of their top holdings (low overlap). IJR has 600 total holdings and VB has 1,400. Common holdings include SPSC.
View data table
| Metric | IJR | VB |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 5% | 5% |
| Unique Holdings | 95% | 95% |
| Total Holdings | 600 | 1,400 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
IJR
Fee cost: $515
VB
Fee cost: $430
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $85 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, IJR (0.06% fee) grows to $46,094 while VB (0.05% fee) grows to $46,180. The fee difference costs $86.
View data table
| Year | IJR Value | VB Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,653 | $14,659 |
| 10 | $21,470 | $21,490 |
| 15 | $31,458 | $31,502 |
| 20 | $46,094 | $46,180 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose IJR if: You want quality-conscious investors wanting small-cap exposure without the junkiest stocks, core small-cap allocation in a diversified portfolio, investors who prefer index methodology with built-in quality screening. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.06%.
Choose VB if: You want aggressive long-term investors willing to tolerate higher volatility, portfolio completion strategies needing small-cap representation, investors building a total market portfolio with separate size-based etfs. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.05%.
Can You Own Both IJR and VB?
Absolutely! With only 5% overlap, IJR and VB complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy IJR or VB?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. IJR is best for investors who want quality-conscious investors wanting small-cap exposure without the junkiest stocks, while VB is better suited for aggressive long-term investors willing to tolerate higher volatility.
What is the difference between IJR and VB?▾
IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) tracks us small-cap investments with 600 holdings and a 0.06% expense ratio. VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) focuses on us small-cap with 1,400 holdings at 0.05%. Their top holdings overlap by 5%.
Can I own both IJR and VB?▾
Yes! With only 5% holdings overlap, IJR and VB complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.