Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF

VBK

Market cap $20.8B

The best ETFs to diversify for volatility and falling interest rates include high-quality large caps, small-cap growth, international equities, and gold. The macro environment points to mild stagflation, but there's no recession in sight, allowing investors to balance caution with optimism in a resilient market, despite some economic weakness. Although the first few months following the Fed's initial rate cut have historically been volatile, equities tend to push higher over the next six to 12 months.

The Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) was launched on January 26, 2004, and is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Small Cap Growth segment of the US equity market.

VBK has struggled to deliver consistent growth outperformance, especially in the current high-rate environment, trailing alternatives like IWO post-pandemic. Sector allocation differences—VBK's tech tilt versus IWO's healthcare and fintech—have contributed to recent underperformance and muted returns. Small-cap growth, and VBK specifically, face headwinds from lackluster investor interest and a risk-reward profile inferior to large caps.

VBK offers diversified, low-cost exposure to small-cap growth stocks, making it attractive ahead of potential Fed rate cuts in late 2025. Small caps historically outperform during rate-cut cycles, and improving trade and manufacturing conditions further support the investment case for VBK. Despite recent underperformance versus the S&P 500, VBK's sector mix and policy tailwinds position it for stronger relative returns going forward.

Designed to provide broad exposure to the Small Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, the Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on 01/26/2004.

It's probably safe to say that most investors aren't buying exchange traded funds (ETFs) for the growth potential they can provide.

US small-cap growth stocks, particularly the Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund, have outperformed since mid-April, but I maintain a hold rating due to valuation concerns. VBK has surged over 14% since April 11, outperforming the S&P 500, yet its premium P/E ratio and PEG ratio suggest it's not a bargain. Despite bullish seasonality and impressive recent price action, technical indicators and long-term moving averages hint at a potential pullback or consolidation.

The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY) is a cornerstone investment for most portfolios, offering broad exposure to the 500 largest U.S.

Launched on 01/26/2004, the Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to provide a broad exposure to the Small Cap Growth segment of the US equity market.

The Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF is highly concentrated in four sectors and relies heavily on its top 10 holdings for performance. The Vanguard Small-Cap Growth Index Fund ETF offers broader diversification and lower fees but includes a significant portion of mid-cap stocks. Both ETFs have similar CAGRs, but TMFS shows slightly better risk/return ratios since its inception in 2018.