ACRNX vs. VB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ACRNX (Columbia Acorn Fund) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both funds - ACRNX is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Columbia, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, ACRNX returned 10.43%/yr vs 11.70%/yr for VB. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ACRNX charges 0.83%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

ACRNX vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Acorn Fund (ACRNX) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ACRNX achieves a 20.40% return, which is significantly higher than VB's 14.80% return. Over the past 10 years, ACRNX has underperformed VB with an annualized return of 10.43%, while VB has yielded a comparatively higher 11.70% annualized return.

ACRNX

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: 8.34%
• YTD: 20.40%
• 6M: 17.36%
• 1Y: 34.34%
• 3Y*: 16.05%
• 5Y*: 3.56%
• 10Y*: 10.43%

VB

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 14.80%
• 6M: 12.69%
• 1Y: 28.03%
• 3Y*: 17.24%
• 5Y*: 6.99%
• 10Y*: 11.70%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ACRNX vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ACRNX Columbia Acorn Fund	20.40%	4.80%	14.46%	21.85%	-33.80%	8.62%	29.65%	26.65%	-8.82%	25.78%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.80%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%

Correlation

The correlation between ACRNX and VB is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.94

The correlation between ACRNX and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ACRNX vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ACRNX

ACRNX Risk / Return Rank: 37
ACRNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
ACRNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
ACRNX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
ACRNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
ACRNX Martin Ratio Rank: 40

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 56
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 47
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 65

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ACRNX vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Acorn Fund (ACRNX) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ACRNX	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	1.69	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.43	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.29	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	3.14	-0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.18	11.50	-3.32

ACRNX vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ACRNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is comparable to the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ACRNX and VB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ACRNX vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACRNX drawdown since its inception was -56.70%, roughly equal to the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACRNX and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACRNX	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.70%	-59.56%	+2.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.63%	-8.98%	-7.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.05%	-25.36%	-4.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.58%	-28.15%	-17.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.58%	-42.05%	-3.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.15%	+1.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.77%	-8.42%	-0.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.38%	2.44%	+1.94%

Volatility

ACRNX vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Acorn Fund (ACRNX) has a higher volatility of 7.98% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 4.99%. This indicates that ACRNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ACRNX	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.98%	4.99%	+2.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.33%	12.24%	+5.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.70%	16.65%	+5.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.19%	20.79%	+4.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.17%	21.42%	+1.75%

ACRNX vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACRNX has a 0.83% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACRNX vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

ACRNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, less than VB's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACRNX Columbia Acorn Fund	0.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	5.30%	26.17%	13.28%	11.43%	8.55%	24.10%	39.09%	63.48%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACRNX and VB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, ACRNX and VB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ACRNX or VB?

ACRNX has higher volatility (7.98%) compared to VB (4.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ACRNX dropped -56.70% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 1.66), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.