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VBKvsFADETF Comparison
Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) belongs to the US Small Cap Growth segment. First Trust Multi Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund ETF (FAD) is part of the US Multi-Factor segment. VBK's top 3 sector exposures are Information Technology, Industrials and Health Care. In contrast, FAD's top sector exposures are Industrials, Information Technology and Health Care. VBK is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.05%, versus 0.63% for FAD. VBK is up 0.1% year-to-date (YTD) with -$560M in YTD flows. FAD performs worse with -1.56% YTD performance, and +$26M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of VBK and FAD below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
VBK vs FAD performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VBK FAD | -2.75%-3.73% | -1.36%-2.76% | +0.10%-1.56% | +19.76%+24.29% | +49.48%+71.68% | +9.66%+46.99% |
| Flows | VBK FAD | +$42M+$154K | -$530M+$26M | -$560M+$26M | -$899M+$118M | +$1.38B+$115M | +$2.89B+$94M |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VBK FAD | +20.52%+18.42% | +24.28%+22.20% | +20.68%+18.89% | +23.40%+21.05% |
| Max drawdown | VBK FAD | -7.67%-7.09% | -17.11%-15.03% | -27.46%-23.51% | -38.36%-31.99% |
| Max drawdown duration | VBK FAD | 49d49d | 46d45d | 287d230d | 1110d967d |
VBK | FAD | |
Last sale 3/13/2026 at 1:30 PM | $301.78 | $158.65 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $302.24 | $159.18 |
| 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
VBK | FAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
VBK | FAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $301.78 | $158.65 |
| 1D performance | -0.15% | -0.34% |
| AuM | $20.14 B | $390.17 M |
| E/R | 0.05% | 0.63% |
VBK | FAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | Vanguard | First Trust |
| Benchmark | CRSP U.S. Small Cap Growth Index | NASDAQ AlphaDEX Multi Cap Growth Index |
| N° of holdings | 470 | 609 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | January 26, 2004 | May 8, 2007 |
| 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 VBK and FAD ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 12, 2026, VBK is up 0.1% year-to-date (YTD), while FAD has lost -1.56%. That puts VBK better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: VBK or FAD?
Year-to-date, the VBK ETF saw -$560M in flows, compared to +$26M for FAD.
Which ETF is more volatile: VBK or FAD?
Over the past year, VBK had a volatility of 24.28%, while FAD experienced 22.2%.
Which ETF is bigger: VBK or FAD?
As of March 12, 2026, VBK holds $20.14 B in assets under management (AUM), while FAD manages $390.17 M.
What sectors do the VBK and FAD ETFs invest in?
VBK leans toward sectors like Information Technology, Industrials and Health Care. Meanwhile, FAD focuses on Industrials, Information Technology and Health Care.
What are the top holdings of the VBK ETF and FAD ETF?
VBK top holdings include US7731211089, COMFORT SYSTEMS USA and US80004C2008. FAD holds in its top three: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS PLC, KYG3730V1059 and US5128073062.
Which ETF is more diversified: VBK or FAD?
VBK holds 547 securities with 14.04% of its assets in the top 15. FAD has 673 securities and a top 15 weight of 7.85%.
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