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VBvsMSSMETF Comparison
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) belongs to the US Small Cap segment. Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) 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 0.9% for MSSM. VB is up 1.14% year-to-date (YTD) with +$423M in YTD flows. MSSM performs better with 3.72% YTD performance, and -$8M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of VB and MSSM 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 MSSM performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VB MSSM | -4.49%-4.72% | -0.34%+0.31% | +1.14%+3.72% | +19.21%+25.25% | +49.53%n/a | +26.68%n/a |
| Flows | VB MSSM | +$432M- | +$488M+$7M | +$423M-$8M | +$528M+$49M | +$9.74B- | +$15.60B- |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VB MSSM | +16.19%+16.79% | +21.77%+22.01% | +18.88%n/a | +20.68%n/a |
| Max drawdown | VB MSSM | -6.81%-5.51% | -15.79%-16.45% | -25.25%n/a | -28.14%n/a |
| Max drawdown duration | VB MSSM | 14d13d | 46d49d | 296dn/a | 980dn/a |
VB | MSSM | |
Last sale 3/13/2026 at 4:32 PM | $260.46 | $51.12 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $260.75 | $51.25 |
| Consolidated volume 03/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Create an account to view replication metrics
VB | MSSM | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
VB | MSSM | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $260.46 | $51.12 |
| 1D performance | -0.11% | -0.25% |
| AuM | $70.18 B | $699.97 M |
| E/R | 0.03% | 0.9% |
VB | MSSM | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Active |
| Provider | Vanguard | Morgan Stanley |
| Benchmark | CRSP U.S. Small Cap Index | - |
| N° of holdings | 1170 | 1919 |
| Asset class | Equities | - |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | January 26, 2004 | December 9, 2024 |
| 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 MSSM ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 12, 2026, VB is up 1.14% year-to-date (YTD), while MSSM has returned 3.72%. That puts MSSM better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: VB or MSSM?
Year-to-date, the VB ETF saw +$423M in flows, compared to -$8M for MSSM.
Which ETF is more volatile: VB or MSSM?
Over the past year, VB had a volatility of 21.77%, while MSSM experienced 22.01%.
Which ETF is bigger: VB or MSSM?
As of March 12, 2026, VB holds $70.18 B in assets under management (AUM), while MSSM manages $699.97 M.
What sectors do the VB and MSSM ETFs invest in?
VB leans toward sectors like Industrials, Information Technology and Financials. Meanwhile, MSSM focuses on Industrials, Information Technology and Financials.
What are the top holdings of the VB ETF and MSSM ETF?
VB top holdings include US80004C2008, US7731211089 and COMFORT SYSTEMS USA. MSSM holds in its top three: US04351P1012, TECHNIPFMC PLC and COMFORT SYSTEMS USA.
Which ETF is more diversified: VB or MSSM?
VB holds 1315 securities with 6.86% of its assets in the top 15. MSSM has 1968 securities and a top 15 weight of 10.34%.
Active Trader Report: Use of Leveraged & Inverse ETFs Way Up
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