How Do the Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF and the State Street Small Cap Growth ETF Compare?

The choice between Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (NYSEMKT:VOOG) and State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (NYSEMKT:SLYG) hinges on whether an investor prefers large-cap stability and tech dominance or the potential higher volatility of small-cap growth.

These two funds target opposite ends of the market capitalization spectrum. While both prioritize growth factors, they operate in different universes: one captures the titan companies of the U.S. economy, and the other focuses on smaller firms with high expansion potential. This analysis compares their costs, risk profiles, and portfolios.

Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from monthly returns over the available fund history (up to five years). The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.Continue reading