BRK-B vs. VSS

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BRK-B (Berkshire Hathaway Inc.) is a stock, while VSS (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF) is Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index. Over the past 10 years, BRK-B returned 13.22%/yr vs 8.49%/yr for VSS. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

BRK-B vs. VSS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRK-B achieves a -2.67% return, which is significantly lower than VSS's 10.04% return. Over the past 10 years, BRK-B has outperformed VSS with an annualized return of 13.22%, while VSS has yielded a comparatively lower 8.49% 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%

VSS

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: -2.09%
• YTD: 10.04%
• 6M: 12.05%
• 1Y: 23.45%
• 3Y*: 15.73%
• 5Y*: 5.58%
• 10Y*: 8.49%

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

BRK-B vs. VSS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	10.04%	29.61%	2.94%	15.52%	-21.48%	13.05%	11.81%	21.36%	-18.48%	30.61%

Correlation

The correlation between BRK-B and VSS is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 6, 2009	0.54

Over the past year, the correlation between BRK-B and VSS has dropped to 0.11 - well below their long-term average of 0.54, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

BRK-B vs. VSS — 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: 39
BRK-B Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
BRK-B Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
BRK-B Omega Ratio Rank: 33
BRK-B Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
BRK-B Martin Ratio Rank: 42

VSS

VSS Risk / Return Rank: 49
VSS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VSS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VSS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VSS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VSS Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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. VSS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). 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-B	VSS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.02	1.51	-1.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.08	2.10	-2.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.28	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.02	2.03	-2.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.05	7.61	-7.66

BRK-B vs. VSS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRK-B Sharpe Ratio is -0.02, which is lower than the VSS Sharpe Ratio of 1.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRK-B and VSS, 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

BRK-B vs. VSS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRK-B drawdown since its inception was -53.86%, which is greater than VSS's maximum drawdown of -43.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRK-B and VSS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRK-B	VSS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.86%	-43.51%	-10.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.42%	-11.62%	+2.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-15.73%	+0.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.58%	-33.93%	+7.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.57%	-43.51%	+13.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.36%	-3.05%	-6.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.07%	-9.63%	-1.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.53%	3.09%	+1.44%

Volatility

BRK-B vs. VSS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) is 3.95%, while Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) has a volatility of 6.52%. This indicates that BRK-B experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRK-B	VSS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	6.52%	-2.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.78%	13.55%	-2.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.38%	15.60%	-1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	16.59%	+0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.44%	17.30%	+2.14%

Dividends

BRK-B vs. VSS - Dividend Comparison

BRK-B has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VSS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.08%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	3.08%	3.39%	3.44%	3.14%	2.30%	2.74%	1.90%	3.25%	2.80%	2.83%	2.93%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRK-B and VSS in my portfolio?

BRK-B and VSS have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BRK-B or VSS?

VSS has higher volatility (6.52%) compared to BRK-B (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRK-B dropped -53.86% vs VSS's -43.51%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 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.