BKSE vs. VB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BKSE (BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BKSE is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Small Cap Index, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BKSE returned 7.21%/yr vs 7.35%/yr for VB. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BKSE charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

BKSE vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with BKSE having a 14.30% return and VB slightly higher at 14.91%.

BKSE

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 3.07%
• YTD: 14.30%
• 6M: 15.09%
• 1Y: 36.43%
• 3Y*: 17.83%
• 5Y*: 7.21%
• 10Y*: —

VB

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 14.91%
• 6M: 16.03%
• 1Y: 31.39%
• 3Y*: 17.31%
• 5Y*: 7.35%
• 10Y*: 11.38%

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

BKSE vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKSE BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF	14.30%	13.09%	9.56%	22.37%	-18.44%	16.18%	55.56%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.91%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	56.42%

Correlation

The correlation between BKSE and VB is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 13, 2020	0.98

The correlation between BKSE and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

BKSE vs. VB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BKSE	VB
Technology	16.8%	17.2%
Financial Services	16.4%	12.6%
Industrials	15.4%	20.8%
Consumer Cyclical	13.3%	11.3%
Healthcare	11.4%	11.1%
Energy	7.0%	4.7%
Real Estate	6.6%	7.6%
Basic Materials	4.5%	4.8%
Utilities	3.4%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	3.4%
Communication Services	2.2%	3.1%

Return for Risk

BKSE vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

BKSE

BKSE Risk / Return Rank: 65
BKSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
BKSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
BKSE Omega Ratio Rank: 57
BKSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
BKSE Martin Ratio Rank: 70

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 61
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

BKSE vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE) 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.

	BKSE	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	1.94	+0.14
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.98	2.75	+0.23
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.34	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.84	3.48	+0.36
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.40	12.82	+0.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BKSE vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BKSE Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BKSE 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

	BKSE	VB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.08	1.94	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34	0.36	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.74	0.44	+0.30

Drawdowns

BKSE vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKSE drawdown since its inception was -29.08%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKSE and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKSE	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.08%	-59.56%	+30.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.40%	-8.98%	-0.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.76%	-25.36%	-1.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.08%	-28.15%	-0.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.06%	-8.44%	-0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	2.43%	+0.26%

Volatility

BKSE vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) have volatilities of 4.36% and 4.40%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BKSE	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	4.40%	-0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.92%	11.73%	+0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.59%	16.27%	+1.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.43%	20.75%	+0.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.30%	21.43%	+0.87%

BKSE vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKSE has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than VB's 0.05% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BKSE vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

BKSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%, less than VB's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BKSE BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF	1.15%	1.26%	1.55%	1.38%	1.50%	1.17%	0.82%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 BKSE and VB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, BKSE 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, BKSE or VB?

VB has higher volatility (4.40%) compared to BKSE (4.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BKSE dropped -29.08% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, BKSE or VB?

On 5-year performance, VB leads with 7.35% vs 7.21% for BKSE. On fees, BKSE is cheaper at 0.04% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BKSE or VB?

Over the 5-year period, VB has performed better with a 7.35% return vs 7.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKSE or VB?

BKSE is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for VB.

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

VB has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 1.15% for BKSE.

What is the main difference between BKSE and VB?

BKSE is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while VB is Small Cap Blend Equities. BKSE tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Index, while VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: BNY Mellon and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for BKSE and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BKSE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.94), 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.