VBR vs. IWN: Does Vanguard's Low Fee Beat iShares' Broader Diversification?

Core Insights - The Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is noted for its lower cost and higher yield compared to the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN), which offers broader diversification and a stronger recent return [2][3] Cost & Size Comparison - VBR has an expense ratio of 0.07% and an AUM of $59.6 billion, while IWN has an expense ratio of 0.24% and an AUM of $11.8 billion [4] - The 1-year return for VBR is 8.22% compared to IWN's 12.77%, and VBR offers a dividend yield of 2.0% versus IWN's 1.6% [4][5] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, VBR experienced a maximum drawdown of -24.19%, while IWN had a drawdown of -26.71% [6] - The growth of $1,000 invested over five years would result in $1,502 for VBR and $1,396 for IWN [6] Portfolio Composition - IWN tracks an index with 1,423 holdings, primarily in Financial Services (26%), Industrials (13%), and Health Care (11%), with no single stock heavily influencing returns [7] - VBR holds 840 stocks, focusing on Industrials (22%), Financial Services (20%), and Consumer Discretionary (14%), with its largest holdings making up less than 1% of assets [8] Sector Focus - IWN has a heavier tilt toward financials, while VBR leans more towards industrials, indicating different sector exposures for investors [9]