AOR vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

AOR (iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AOR is a Diversified Portfolio fund tracking the S&P Target Risk Growth Index, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, AOR returned 8.52%/yr vs 10.99%/yr for VBR. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AOR charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

AOR vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF (AOR) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AOR achieves a 6.83% return, which is significantly lower than VBR's 14.60% return. Over the past 10 years, AOR has underperformed VBR with an annualized return of 8.52%, while VBR has yielded a comparatively higher 10.99% annualized return.

AOR

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 6.83%
• 6M: 7.42%
• 1Y: 17.08%
• 3Y*: 13.55%
• 5Y*: 6.78%
• 10Y*: 8.52%

VBR

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 4.91%
• YTD: 14.60%
• 6M: 12.92%
• 1Y: 27.94%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

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

AOR vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AOR iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF	6.83%	16.44%	10.68%	15.75%	-15.64%	11.19%	11.42%	18.91%	-5.82%	15.80%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	14.60%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between AOR and VBR is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 11, 2008	0.81

The correlation between AOR and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

AOR vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AOR	VBR
Technology	27.8%	10.6%
Financial Services	16.2%	17.6%
Industrials	11.9%	18.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	12.4%
Communication Services	8.1%	2.5%
Healthcare	8.0%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	4.0%
Energy	4.3%	5.2%
Basic Materials	4.2%	6.3%
Utilities	2.7%	4.8%
Real Estate	2.4%	10.1%

Return for Risk

AOR vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

AOR

AOR Risk / Return Rank: 68
AOR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
AOR Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
AOR Omega Ratio Rank: 72
AOR Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
AOR Martin Ratio Rank: 69

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

AOR vs. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF (AOR) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). 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.

	AOR	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.83	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	2.67	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.31	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	3.17	-0.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.10	11.22	-0.12

AOR vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AOR Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AOR and VBR, 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

AOR vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AOR drawdown since its inception was -24.44%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AOR and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	AOR	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.44%	-61.98%	+37.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.64%	-8.85%	+2.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.77%	-24.19%	+14.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.72%	-24.19%	+2.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.95%	-45.28%	+22.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.05%	0.00%	-1.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.47%	-8.26%	+4.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.55%	2.50%	-0.95%

Volatility

AOR vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF (AOR) is 3.50%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) has a volatility of 4.43%. This indicates that AOR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AOR	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.50%	4.43%	-0.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.32%	10.65%	-3.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.85%	15.36%	-6.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.61%	19.79%	-9.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.70%	21.74%	-11.04%

AOR vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

AOR has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AOR vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

AOR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.48%, more than VBR's 1.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AOR iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF	2.48%	2.55%	2.66%	2.50%	2.12%	1.64%	1.89%	2.56%	2.49%	4.51%	2.16%	2.12%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.71%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AOR and VBR in my portfolio?

AOR and VBR have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AOR or VBR?

VBR has higher volatility (4.43%) compared to AOR (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AOR dropped -24.44% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, AOR or VBR?

On 10-year performance, VBR leads with 10.99% vs 8.52% for AOR. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, AOR has been the lower-risk option at 3.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AOR or VBR?

Over the 10-year period, VBR has performed better with a 10.99% return vs 8.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AOR or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for AOR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AOR or VBR?

AOR has the higher dividend yield at 2.48%, compared with 1.71% for VBR.

What is the main difference between AOR and VBR?

AOR is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while VBR is Small Cap Value Equities. AOR tracks S&P Target Risk Growth Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AOR and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AOR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.83), 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.