Core Insights - The iShares SP Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) are both value-oriented ETFs targeting U.S. stocks trading below their estimated worth, but they differ in their focus on mid-cap versus small-cap companies [2][8] Cost and Size Comparison - IJJ has an expense ratio of 0.18% and assets under management (AUM) of $8.0 billion, while VBR has a lower expense ratio of 0.07% and significantly larger AUM of $59.6 billion [3][4][9] - VBR offers nearly triple the number of holdings compared to IJJ, with 840 stocks versus IJJ's 309 [3][6] Performance and Risk Metrics - Over the past year, IJJ returned 7.6% while VBR returned 8.06% [3] - The maximum drawdown over five years for IJJ is -22.68%, compared to VBR's -24.19% [5] Portfolio Composition - VBR's largest sector exposures are in industrials (19%), financial services (18%), and consumer cyclicals (13%), indicating broad diversification [6] - IJJ focuses more on mid-cap value stocks, with significant weights in financial services (19%), industrials (15%), and consumer cyclicals (12%) [7] Investment Implications - Cost-conscious value investors may prefer VBR due to its lower fees and broader small-cap exposure, while those seeking a smoother investment experience might opt for IJJ's mid-cap focus, accepting higher costs for potentially reduced volatility [10][11]
IJJ vs. VBR: Should Value Investors Choose Mid-Cap Stability or Small-Cap Growth Potential?
The Motley Fool·2025-12-27 13:27