What does expense ratio mean?

The expense ratio is the annual fee fund managers charge to run a fund, covering management and operating costs. It is deducted from fund assets, so a lower expense ratio means more of your money is invested on your behalf rather than being used to cover costs. The expense ratio is always displayed as a percentage of your investment and includes all expenses related to running the fund.

What does it mean for a fund to track an index?

Tracking an index means a fund aims to mirror the performance of that benchmark. IJR and VB both track small-cap indexes, with VB holding US$78.6 billion in net assets and IJR managing US$106.6 billion. As of September 2026, neither fund has published its current index tracking data on Yahoo Finance, so you cannot verify which benchmarks they follow or compare their tracking accuracy.

What is the difference between net assets and market capitalisation?

Net assets refers to the total value of holdings owned by a fund, after deducting liabilities. For ETFs, this is the amount that supports each share's value. Market capitalisation is the total value of a company's outstanding shares. IJR has US$106.6 billion in net assets versus VB's US$78.6 billion. These figures reflect fund size, not stock valuation, and are updated daily based on portfolio holdings and market prices.

What do the 0.06% and 0.03% expense ratios mean for my returns?

IJR charges 0.06% annually, while VB charges 0.03%. Over 10 years, investing US$10,000 at an 8% annual return before fees would leave approximately US$1,000 more in VB than IJR, assuming identical performance and no taxes. The 0.03% difference is 3 basis points. Lower fees compound positively over time, especially for long-term investors holding funds like these that aim to track small-cap indexes.

How do the dividend yields of these funds compare?

Both IJR and VB offer a 1.23% dividend yield. This yield reflects the total dividends distributed by the fund in relation to its share price. It is not a direct reflection of individual company dividend policies but is the weighted average yield of all underlying holdings. The distributions from each fund are paid quarterly and are subject to tax. Yield alone does not indicate income quality.

What does it mean that these funds are classified as Small Blend?

Small Blend indicates that a fund invests in small-cap companies with mixed growth and value characteristics. Both IJR and VB have a Small Blend classification, meaning their portfolios include a combination of stocks with different investment styles and market capitalisations. The category suggests these funds target smaller companies in the US market and offer broad exposure to this segment, rather than focusing narrowly on growth or value strategies.

Are there any shared top-10 holdings between IJR and VB?

No, there are no shared top-10 holdings between IJR and VB as of 22 September 2026. IJR's top holdings are currently not available, while VB's top 10 include MRNA, NTRA, RVMD, CRDO, TWLO, EME, JBL, FTI, ILMN, and P. This absence of overlap in listed top holdings may indicate differences in how each fund weights its portfolio or how data is presented, but it cannot confirm whether the funds hold the same companies elsewhere in their portfolios.

How does the difference in net assets impact investor experience?

IJR has US$106.6 billion in net assets, significantly higher than VB's US$78.6 billion. The larger asset base of IJR can lead to better liquidity, potentially resulting in narrower bid-ask spreads and more efficient trading. While this higher liquidity can make it easier to buy or sell shares, it does not guarantee better returns. Investors should also consider tracking differences and expense ratios when evaluating these funds.

What does it mean that the index tracked is not available?

When the index tracked is not available, it means we don't have a clear benchmark to compare IJR and VB against each other. IJR launched on 22 May 2000, while VB launched on 26 Jan 2004. Without knowing the indexes, you can't confirm whether the two funds track the same index or different ones. Both have a Small Blend classification, but their actual strategies and performance might vary, so this gap in information limits a full comparison.

What is the difference in fund inception dates, and why does it matter?

IJR launched on 22 May 2000, while VB launched on 26 Jan 2004, giving IJR a longer operational history. This 3.7-year difference means IJR has more historical performance data. A longer track record can provide more information about how a fund has performed during different market cycles. While a longer history can be helpful for analysis, it does not guarantee better future performance, as both funds aim to track small-cap market benchmarks.

How do sector weightings differ between the funds?

Sector weighting data is not available for either IJR or VB as of September 2026. This means you cannot compare the sector allocations of the two funds. While both are classified as Small Blend, the absence of this information makes it difficult to assess their industry exposure and diversification. Without the sector weightings, you can't determine if they hold similar amounts in technology, healthcare or other industries, which affects portfolio construction decisions.

What should a beginner take from this ETF comparison?

A beginner comparing these ETFs should note IJR has a 0.06% expense ratio and $106.6 billion in net assets, while VB charges 0.03% with $78.6 billion. Both offer a 1.23% dividend yield. Index tracking data is not available. The lower cost of VB is notable, and its top holdings are disclosed, whereas IJR's are not. Investors should consider cost, fund size, and the transparency of holdings when evaluating these small-cap ETFs.

IJR vs VB

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

This page compares IJR (iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) by fees, holdings, dividends and how each fund tracks its market. IJR has a 0.06% expense ratio and $106.6 billion in net assets, while VB has a 0.03% expense ratio and $78.6 billion. Both offer a 1.23% yield. Index tracking data is not available. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

IJR

Metric

0.06%

Expense Ratio

0.03%

1.23%

Dividend Yield

1.23%

$106.62B

Net Assets

$78.57B

652

Holdings

1,311

May 22, 2000

Inception Date

Jan 26, 2004

–

Index Tracked

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Small Blend

Fund Category

Small Blend

VB costs about $3.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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IJR vs IWM

Compare IJR and IWM ETFs on fees, holdings and yields. IJR charges 0.06% with 1.23% yield; IWM charges 0.19% with 0.96% yield. Both launched May 2000.

IJR vs VIOO

Compare IJR and VIOO on fees, dividends, holdings and tracking. IJR 0.06% and VIOO 0.07% expense ratios; assets $106.6bn vs $4.2bn; yields 1.23% vs 1.16%.

Investment Analysis

IJR

Pros

Investors gain access to a vast $106.6 billion fund structure, ensuring robust liquidity and market stability.
The inception date of May 22, 2000, demonstrates a long operational history with extensive performance data.
A dividend yield of 1.23% provides modest income alongside capital growth potential in small-cap companies.

Considerations

The expense ratio of 0.06% is higher than the competing Vanguard option, increasing the cost burden.
Top holdings and sector weights are currently not available, limiting immediate transparency into portfolio concentration.
The index tracked is not available, preventing a clear assessment of the specific benchmark methodology.

VB

Pros

The expense ratio of 0.03% offers a significantly lower cost structure compared to the competing iShares fund.
Detailed top holdings are provided, allowing for clear visibility into individual stock exposure within the portfolio.
A dividend yield of 1.23% matches the competing fund, offering identical income potential for investors.

Considerations

Net assets of $78.6 billion are smaller than the competitor, though still substantial for trading purposes.
The inception date of Jan 26, 2004, is more recent, offering a shorter historical track record.
Specific sector weights are not available, which limits the ability to analyse industry-level diversification accurately.

About IJR and VB

IJR (IJR)

The iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is designed to track the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, providing exposure to US small-capitalisation companies. With an expense ratio of just 0.06% and substantial net assets of USD 106.62 billion, it offers investors a cost-effective route to diversified small-cap equity exposure. The fund holds 652 securities, capturing a wide spectrum of the small-cap market, which is often characterised by higher growth potential but also greater volatility compared to large-cap firms. Investors may consider this ETF to balance their portfolios with the dynamism of smaller companies, which can be sensitive to economic cycles and interest rate changes. As with any investment in equities, values can fall as well as rise, and returns are not guaranteed. It serves as a building block for those seeking specific exposure to the US small-cap segment within a global or multi-asset strategy.

VB (VB)

The Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) is a widely recognised investment vehicle designed to provide exposure to smaller companies in the US equity market. It belongs to the Small Blend category, aiming to capture a diversified mix of small-cap growth and value stocks. With an extremely low expense ratio of 0.03%, it offers a cost-effective way for investors to access the small-cap sector, which has historically provided higher potential returns compared to large-cap stocks, albeit with greater volatility. The fund holds over 1,300 companies and manages approximately $78.57 billion in net assets, offering broad diversification within its niche. It has been in existence since 2004, providing a track record for investors to consider. While small-cap investments can add growth potential to a portfolio, they also carry higher risks, including price fluctuations and economic sensitivity. Investors should weigh these factors against their own risk tolerance and investment objectives, remembering that returns are not guaranteed and values can fall as well as rise.

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IJR vs VB

Fund Snapshot