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VBvsAFMCETF Comparison
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) belongs to the US Small Cap segment. First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC) is part of the US Multi-Factor segment. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. VB is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.03%, versus 0.65% for AFMC. VB is up 1.14% year-to-date (YTD) with +$423M in YTD flows. AFMC performs better with 2.67% YTD performance, and +$35M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of VB and AFMC below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
VB vs AFMC performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VB AFMC | -4.49%-4.45% | -0.34%+1.14% | +1.14%+2.67% | +19.21%+19.06% | +49.53%+62.84% | +26.68%+50.27% |
| Flows | VB AFMC | +$432M+$18M | +$488M+$35M | +$423M+$35M | +$528M+$82M | +$9.74B+$120M | +$15.60B+$119M |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VB AFMC | +16.19%+14.85% | +21.77%+19.50% | +18.88%+17.76% | +20.68%+19.49% |
| Max drawdown | VB AFMC | -6.81%-6.20% | -15.79%-13.21% | -25.25%-21.83% | -28.14%-25.69% |
| Max drawdown duration | VB AFMC | 14d18d | 46d46d | 296d289d | 980d752d |
VB | AFMC | |
Last sale 3/13/2026 at 1:30 PM | $260.52 | $35.35 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $260.75 | $35.92 |
| Consolidated volume 03/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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VB | AFMC | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
VB | AFMC | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $260.52 | $35.35 |
| 1D performance | -0.09% | -1.60% |
| AuM | $70.18 B | $132.52 M |
| E/R | 0.03% | 0.65% |
VB | AFMC | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Active |
| Provider | Vanguard | First Trust |
| Benchmark | CRSP U.S. Small Cap Index | - |
| N° of holdings | 1170 | 258 |
| Asset class | Equities | - |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | January 26, 2004 | December 3, 2019 |
| ESG | No | No |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the VB and AFMC ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 12, 2026, VB is up 1.14% year-to-date (YTD), while AFMC has returned 2.67%. That puts AFMC better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: VB or AFMC?
Year-to-date, the VB ETF saw +$423M in flows, compared to +$35M for AFMC.
Which ETF is more volatile: VB or AFMC?
Over the past year, VB had a volatility of 21.77%, while AFMC experienced 19.5%.
Which ETF is bigger: VB or AFMC?
As of March 12, 2026, VB holds $70.18 B in assets under management (AUM), while AFMC manages $132.52 M.
What sectors do the VB and AFMC ETFs invest in?
VB leans toward sectors like Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. Meanwhile, AFMC focuses on Industrials, Information Technology and Financials.
What are the top holdings of the VB ETF and AFMC ETF?
VB top holdings include US80004C2008, US7731211089 and COMFORT SYSTEMS USA. AFMC holds in its top three: MUELLER INDUSTRIES, FEDERATED HERMES and EXELIXIS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VB or AFMC?
VB holds 1315 securities with 6.86% of its assets in the top 15. AFMC has 265 securities and a top 15 weight of 15.32%.
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