The Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is an exchange-traded fund designed to track the performance of U.S. small-cap companies with growth characteristics. The ETF is managed by Vanguard and trades under the ticker VBK on the NYSE Arca.

Classified as a factor-based equity ETF, the fund invests in small-cap companies with above-average growth potential, typically characterized by expanding revenues, increasing earnings, and strong future growth expectations. Its strategy provides exposure to the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market.

The ETF follows a passive management approach and seeks to replicate the performance of the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index, a benchmark composed of U.S. small-cap companies classified as growth stocks according to the Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP) methodology.

Diversification and sector exposure

VBK provides exposure primarily associated with:

• U.S. small-cap stocks.

• Growth stocks.

• Technology.

• Industrials.

• Healthcare.

• Consumer discretionary.

• Financial services.

• U.S. equity market.

The portfolio includes hundreds of small-cap companies across multiple industries, with significant exposure to sectors associated with innovation and corporate expansion.

The ETF's performance reflects both the behavior of U.S. small-cap companies and the growth style of investing, which may offer greater long-term appreciation potential but also higher volatility.

Structure and costs

VBK shares trade on the secondary market on the NYSE Arca during regular trading hours. Share creation and redemption occur through authorized participants, a mechanism intended to help align the ETF's market price with its net asset value (NAV).

The fund carries a low expense ratio, consistent with Vanguard's ETF lineup, and does not apply a performance fee. Dividends received from portfolio holdings may be distributed periodically to shareholders according to the fund's distribution policy.

History and evolution of the ETF

The Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF was launched in 2004 to provide investors with a low-cost way to access the U.S. small-cap growth segment.

Since inception, the fund has become one of Vanguard's flagship vehicles for investors seeking exposure to smaller companies with above-average growth potential, reflecting multiple market and economic cycles.

In recent years, technological innovation, the expansion of emerging businesses, changes in interest rates, and financing conditions for smaller companies have continued to influence the performance of the companies represented in the ETF's portfolio.

Additional Information

Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (United States) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF), with assets under management totaling $23.06 billion.

Over the past 12 months, Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF recorded a return of 25.95%, with its price trading between $277.73 and $365.70 during the same period.

The ETF is traded under the ticker VBK.