I went ahead and compared VTV (Small Value Index) to VTI (Total Stock Market index) that includes all US companies. On the 1 year range the VTI underperformed.

I went ahead and compared VTV (Small Value Index) to VTI (Total Stock Market index) that includes all US companies. On the 1 year range the VTI underperformed. Over 2, 5, 10 and Max (18 years) VTI outperforms VTV, the longer the period the larger the difference. But I will say the author is right in that VTV shows less volatility, thus it may offer one more peace of mind.