VBKETF

FYC is a smart beta ETF offering exposure to small-cap growth stocks with $1.33 billion in assets. While it has delivered solid year-to-date returns of 18.06% and one-year returns of 21.65%, its 0.70% expense ratio is relatively high compared to alternatives like IWO (0.24%) and VBK (0.05%). The fund carries higher risk with a beta of 1.19 and 21.75% standard deviation, making it suitable only for risk-tolerant investors.

Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF (VUG) significantly outperformed Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) over five years, delivering 79% total return versus 17%, driven by heavy concentration in mega-cap technology stocks. VUG offers a lower expense ratio (0.03% vs 0.05%) and better performance, while VBK provides broader diversification across 579 holdings with lower volatility for investors seeking to reduce tech exposure.

VIOG is a passively managed small-cap growth ETF with $1+ billion in assets and a low 0.1% expense ratio. The fund has returned 13.46% year-to-date and 14.41% over the past year, with 355 holdings providing diversification. It carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), making it a sufficient option for small-cap growth exposure, though alternatives like VBK and IWO offer different asset bases and expense ratios.

SLYG, a passively managed small-cap growth ETF with $4.63 billion in assets, offers broad exposure to the small-cap growth segment with a low 0.15% expense ratio and a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy). The fund has gained 15.35% year-to-date and 15.37% over the past year, with a beta of 1.05 and 351 holdings providing effective diversification.

First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX ETF (FYC) is a passively managed small-cap growth ETF with $1.39 billion in assets. While it has delivered strong year-to-date returns of 22.16%, its 0.7% expense ratio is relatively high compared to competitors. The ETF carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold) and is considered high-risk with a beta of 1.19, making it suitable for long-term investors seeking small-cap growth exposure.