AIMS vs. VB

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

AIMS (Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. AIMS is actively managed, while VB is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AIMS charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

AIMS vs. VB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

AIMS

• 1D: -1.92%
• 1M: 6.75%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VB

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 2.69%
• 6M: 15.61%
• YTD: 17.22%
• 1Y: 25.16%
• 3Y*: 16.25%
• 5Y*: 7.45%
• 10Y*: 11.62%

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

AIMS vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
AIMS Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF	13.60%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	8.57%

Correlation

The correlation between AIMS and VB is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 10, 2026	0.90

Return for Risk

AIMS vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

AIMS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 61
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

AIMS vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF (AIMS) 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.

	AIMS	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.58	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.28	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.27	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.90	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	10.64	—

Drawdowns

AIMS vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIMS drawdown since its inception was -9.18%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIMS and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIMS	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.18%	-59.56%	+50.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.98%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.15%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.13%	-0.92%	-1.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.32%	-8.41%	+6.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.44%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AIMS	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.90%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.21%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.01%	16.55%	+3.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.01%	20.78%	-0.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.01%	21.37%	-1.36%

AIMS vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIMS has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIMS vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

AIMS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIMS Acuitas Small Cap Active ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.20%	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 AIMS and VB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, AIMS 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 ETF is better, AIMS or VB?

On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIMS or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for AIMS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIMS or VB?

VB has the higher dividend yield at 1.20%, compared with 0.00% for AIMS.

What is the main difference between AIMS and VB?

They also come from different issuers: Acuitas Investments and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for AIMS and 0.05% for VB.