ETF Versus

IJR vs VBR

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund ETF Shares

Last updated: 2026-04-02

IJR

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: N/A Yield: N/A Since: 2000-05-26
VBR

Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund ETF Shares (VBR) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to us small cap value securities. Launched in 2004, the fund has a 22-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: N/A Yield: N/A Since: 2004-01-30

Quick Verdict

IJR has edged ahead over the past year (17.5% vs 15.0%).

Key Metrics

Metric IJR VBR
Expense Ratio N/A N/A
Dividend Yield N/A N/A
Fund Family N/A N/A
Category US Small Cap US Small Cap Value

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

75 88 101 114 127 140 2021-04 2022-06 2023-09 2024-12 2026-04
IJR +13.0%
VBR +29.6%

Performance Comparison

Period IJR VBR Difference
1 Month -3.31% -4.01% +0.70%
3 Months +2.92% +1.73% +1.19%
6 Months +4.30% +3.54% +0.76%
YTD +2.92% +1.73% +1.19%
1 Year +17.46% +15.02% +2.44%
3 Years +29.06% +37.32% -8.26%
5 Years +12.98% +29.61% -16.63%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period IJR Fees VBR Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $0 $0 $0
$10,000 20 years $0 $0 $0
$10,000 30 years $0 $0 $0
$50,000 10 years $0 $0 $0
$50,000 30 years $0 $0 $0
$100,000 30 years $0 $0 $0

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric IJR VBR
Annualized Volatility 21.6% 19.9%
Max Drawdown -28.9% -25.1%
Sharpe Ratio 0.01 0.14

Dividend Comparison

Metric IJR VBR
Annual Dividend (per share) $1.60 $4.14
Dividend Yield 1.28% 1.90%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose IJR if...

recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

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