Both the Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (NYSEMKT:VBR) and the State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF (NYSEMKT:SLYV)target the “value” slice of the small-cap market, holding companies that trade at low price multiples relative to fundamental metrics.
However, they track different benchmark indexes, which creates meaningful differences in concentration, risk-adjusted returns, and historical performance
This comparison examines how each fund manages the unique risks of small-cap investing while seeking long-term growth. Snapshot (cost & size) Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.
Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield. VBR provides a notable cost advantage with a lower expense ratio than SLYV. For income-seeking investors, the payout levels are very similar, but SLYV offers a slight edge with a higher trailing-12-month distribution yield.