PortfoliosLab logoPortfoliosLab logo

Documentation

Upgrade your plan
BRK-B vs. VB
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility
Dividends

BRK-B vs. VB

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BRK-B (Berkshire Hathaway Inc.) is a stock, while VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) is Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, BRK-B returned 13.22%/yr vs 11.61%/yr for VB. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

BRK-B vs. VB - Performance Comparison

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

Loading charts...

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRK-B achieves a -2.67% return, which is significantly lower than VB's 15.33% return. Over the past 10 years, BRK-B has outperformed VB with an annualized return of 13.22%, while VB has yielded a comparatively lower 11.61% annualized return.

BRK-B

1D
0.71%
1M
0.77%
YTD
-2.67%
6M
-2.06%
1Y
-0.22%
3Y*
13.30%
5Y*
11.27%
10Y*
13.22%

VB

1D
0.70%
1M
3.75%
YTD
15.33%
6M
13.69%
1Y
28.72%
3Y*
16.14%
5Y*
6.98%
10Y*
11.61%
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BRK-B vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

2026 (YTD)202520242023202220212020201920182017
BRK-B
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.		-2.67%10.89%27.09%15.46%3.31%28.95%2.37%10.93%3.01%21.62%
VB
Vanguard Small-Cap ETF		15.33%8.87%14.17%18.22%-17.51%17.57%19.19%27.34%-9.34%16.26%

Correlation

The correlation between BRK-B and VB is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

Correlation
Correlation (1Y)
Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

0.19

Correlation (3Y)
Calculated over the trailing 3-year period

0.39

Correlation (5Y)
Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.52

Correlation (10Y)
Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.57

Correlation (All Time)
Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004

0.54

Over the past year, the correlation between BRK-B and VB has dropped to 0.19 - well below their long-term average of 0.54, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs

Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Vanguard Small-Cap ETF

Often compared with BRK-B:
BRK-B vs. SPYBRK-B vs. VOOBRK-B vs. BRK-ABRK-B vs. QQQBRK-B vs. ^NDXBRK-B vs. VTIBRK-B vs. VGT
Often compared with VB:
VB vs. VBRVB vs. IJRVB vs. VOOVB vs. VBKVB vs. SCHAVB vs. VTWOVB vs. FSSNX

Return for Risk

BRK-B vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.
BRK-B
BRK-B Risk / Return Rank: 3939
Overall Rank
BRK-B Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4242
Sharpe Ratio Rank
BRK-B Sortino Ratio Rank: 3434
Sortino Ratio Rank
BRK-B Omega Ratio Rank: 3333
Omega Ratio Rank
BRK-B Calmar Ratio Rank: 4242
Calmar Ratio Rank
BRK-B Martin Ratio Rank: 4242
Martin Ratio Rank
VB
VB Risk / Return Rank: 6464
Overall Rank
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5959
Sharpe Ratio Rank
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 6060
Sortino Ratio Rank
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 5555
Omega Ratio Rank
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 7373
Calmar Ratio Rank
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 7373
Martin Ratio Rank
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.

BRK-B vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) 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.

BRK-BVBDifference
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility
-0.02
1.73

-1.75

Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk
0.08
2.47

-2.39

Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability

1.01

1.30

-0.29

Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown

-0.02

3.21

-3.24

Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown

-0.05

11.80

-11.85

BRK-B vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRK-B Sharpe Ratio is -0.02, which is lower than the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRK-B 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.

Loading charts...

Drawdowns

BRK-B vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRK-B drawdown since its inception was -53.86%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRK-B and VB.

Loading charts...

Drawdown Indicators

BRK-BVBDifference

Max Drawdown

Largest peak-to-trough decline

-53.86%

-59.56%

+5.70%

Max Drawdown (1Y)

Largest decline over 1 year

-9.42%

-8.98%

-0.44%

Max Drawdown (3Y)

Largest decline over 3 years

-14.95%

-25.36%

+10.41%

Max Drawdown (5Y)

Largest decline over 5 years

-26.58%

-28.15%

+1.57%

Max Drawdown (10Y)

Largest decline over 10 years

-29.57%

-42.05%

+12.48%

Current Drawdown

Current decline from peak

-9.36%

0.00%

-9.36%

Average Drawdown

Average peak-to-trough decline

-11.07%

-8.43%

-2.64%

Ulcer Index

Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks

4.53%

2.44%

+2.09%

Volatility

BRK-B vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) is 3.95%, while Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) has a volatility of 5.41%. This indicates that BRK-B experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Loading charts...

Volatility by Period

BRK-BVBDifference

Volatility (1M)

Calculated over the trailing 1-month period

3.95%

5.41%

-1.46%

Volatility (6M)

Calculated over the trailing 6-month period

10.78%

12.24%

-1.46%

Volatility (1Y)

Calculated over the trailing 1-year period

14.38%

16.68%

-2.30%

Volatility (5Y)

Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized

17.12%

20.80%

-3.68%

Volatility (10Y)

Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized

19.44%

21.44%

-2.00%

Dividends

BRK-B vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

BRK-B has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%.

PositionTTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
BRK-B
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.		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		1.18%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

BRK-B and VB have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

VB has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to BRK-B (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRK-B dropped -53.86% vs VB's -59.56%.

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs -0.02), 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.

Portfolio Optimizer

Find the right allocation for BRK-B and VB

Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.

Open Portfolio Optimizer