AINTX vs. VB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AINTX (Ariel International Fund) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both funds - AINTX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund managed by Ariel Investments, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, AINTX returned 7.50%/yr vs 11.30%/yr for VB. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AINTX charges 1.13%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

AINTX vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ariel International Fund (AINTX) 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, AINTX achieves a 19.00% return, which is significantly higher than VB's 14.16% return. Over the past 10 years, AINTX has underperformed VB with an annualized return of 7.50%, while VB has yielded a comparatively higher 11.30% annualized return.

AINTX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 10.02%
• YTD: 19.00%
• 6M: 21.34%
• 1Y: 30.07%
• 3Y*: 19.73%
• 5Y*: 9.75%
• 10Y*: 7.50%

VB

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 14.16%
• 6M: 14.12%
• 1Y: 28.82%
• 3Y*: 17.05%
• 5Y*: 7.11%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

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

AINTX vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AINTX Ariel International Fund	19.00%	31.39%	5.23%	10.02%	-11.33%	4.31%	6.84%	12.83%	-9.82%	16.35%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.16%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%

Correlation

The correlation between AINTX and VB is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.55
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2012	0.57

The correlation between AINTX and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AINTX vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

AINTX

AINTX Risk / Return Rank: 43
AINTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
AINTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
AINTX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
AINTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
AINTX Martin Ratio Rank: 39

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 56
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

AINTX vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ariel International Fund (AINTX) 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.

	AINTX	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.78	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	2.56	+0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.31	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.31	3.22	-0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.43	11.87	-3.44
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AINTX vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AINTX Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AINTX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AINTX	VB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.00	1.78	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69	0.34	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.53	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.44	+0.13

Drawdowns

AINTX vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AINTX drawdown since its inception was -27.95%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AINTX and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	AINTX	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.95%	-59.56%	+31.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.93%	-8.98%	-3.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.23%	-25.36%	+11.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.51%	-28.15%	+2.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.95%	-42.05%	+14.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.65%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.56%	-8.44%	+2.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.54%	2.43%	+1.11%

Volatility

AINTX vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

Ariel International Fund (AINTX) has a higher volatility of 4.67% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 4.42%. This indicates that AINTX'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

	AINTX	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.67%	4.42%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.30%	11.72%	+0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.93%	16.28%	-1.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.25%	20.74%	-6.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.68%	21.42%	-7.74%

AINTX vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

AINTX has a 1.13% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

AINTX vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

AINTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.78%, more than VB's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AINTX Ariel International Fund	12.78%	15.21%	6.28%	1.64%	0.00%	2.54%	1.47%	1.59%	1.17%	1.76%	1.69%	0.20%
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 AINTX and VB in my portfolio?

AINTX and VB have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AINTX or VB?

AINTX has higher volatility (4.67%) compared to VB (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AINTX dropped -27.95% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AINTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.78), 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.