IJR vs VB
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund ETF Shares
Last updated: 2026-04-10
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.23%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.
Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund ETF Shares (VB) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.28%. Launched in 2004, the fund has a 22-year track record.
Quick Verdict
VB has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.03% vs 0.06%), saving about $60 per $10,000 over 10 years. IJR has edged ahead over the past year (38.1% vs 34.1%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
0 of top 9 holdings overlap (0% overlap in top holdings)
IJR Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| BLK CSH FND TREASURY SL AGENCYXTSLA | 1.29% |
| Viavi Solutions Inc.VIAV | 0.60% |
| FormFactor, Inc.FORM | 0.57% |
| Eastman Chemical CompanyEMN | 0.53% |
| Primoris Services CorporationPRIM | 0.53% |
| Element Solutions IncESI | 0.53% |
| Argan, Inc.AGX | 0.51% |
| Semtech CorporationSMTC | 0.50% |
| ESCO Technologies Inc.ESE | 0.50% |
| Match Group, Inc.MTCH | 0.48% |
VB Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Sandisk CorporationSNDK | 1.21% |
| Comfort Systems USA, Inc.FIX | 0.65% |
| Lumentum Holdings Inc.LITE | 0.64% |
| Ciena CorporationCIEN | 0.64% |
| Coherent Corp.COHR | 0.53% |
| Rocket Lab CorporationRKLB | 0.48% |
| NRG Energy, Inc.NRG | 0.44% |
| Bloom Energy CorporationBE | 0.43% |
| EMCOR Group, Inc.EME | 0.42% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose VB if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose IJR if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Either works if...
you just need broad us small cap exposure. Both are solid options — pick whichever your brokerage offers commission-free.