Small-Cap Growth ETFs: SLYG Boasts Higher Yield, While VBK Has Lower Fees

Core Insights - Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has recently outperformed in total returns while maintaining low costs, whereas State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) offers higher dividends and less severe drawdowns [1][2] Cost and Size Comparison - VBK has a lower expense ratio of 0.05% compared to SLYG's 0.15% - As of March 11, 2026, VBK's one-year return is 23.0%, while SLYG's is 18.3% - VBK has a dividend yield of 0.5%, whereas SLYG offers a yield of 0.8% - VBK has a beta of 1.17, indicating higher volatility compared to SLYG's beta of 1.06 - Assets Under Management (AUM) for VBK is $40.0 billion, significantly higher than SLYG's $4.0 billion [3][4][9] Performance and Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, VBK experienced a maximum drawdown of -38.39%, while SLYG had a drawdown of -29.18% - The growth of $1,000 invested over five years would yield $1,097 for VBK and $1,086 for SLYG [5] Portfolio Composition - SLYG tracks an S&P index with 339 holdings, with top sector weights in industrials (19%), technology (19%), and healthcare (17%) - VBK holds 579 stocks, providing broader diversification, with a heavier focus on technology (26%) and industrials (23%) [6][7] Implications for Investors - Both VBK and SLYG provide exposure to small-cap growth stocks, but VBK offers greater diversification and lower fees - VBK's one-year return of 23.0% surpasses SLYG's 18.3%, and it has significantly higher liquidity with an AUM of $40 billion compared to SLYG's $4 billion [8][9]