CALF vs. VB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CALF (Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds - CALF tracks the Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Index while VB tracks the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, CALF returned 3.73%/yr vs 7.39%/yr for VB. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CALF charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

CALF vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF) 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, CALF achieves a 10.59% return, which is significantly lower than VB's 15.68% return.

CALF

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 10.59%
• 6M: 8.95%
• 1Y: 25.83%
• 3Y*: 9.33%
• 5Y*: 3.73%
• 10Y*: —

VB

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 2.83%
• YTD: 15.68%
• 6M: 13.00%
• 1Y: 30.17%
• 3Y*: 17.54%
• 5Y*: 7.39%
• 10Y*: 11.79%

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

CALF vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CALF Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF	10.59%	2.33%	-7.41%	35.43%	-15.20%	40.68%	16.55%	18.18%	-10.06%	5.78%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	15.68%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	10.30%

Correlation

The correlation between CALF and VB is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2017	0.86

The correlation between CALF and VB shifts across timeframes, from 0.78 (1 year) to 0.89 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CALF vs. VB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CALF	VB
Technology	32.4%	19.4%
Consumer Cyclical	28.5%	10.9%
Healthcare	9.7%	11.3%
Energy	8.9%	4.2%
Communication Services	8.3%	3.0%
Industrials	5.4%	20.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	3.1%
Basic Materials	1.6%	4.7%
Real Estate	1.5%	7.5%
Financial Services	0.2%	12.3%
Utilities	-	3.1%

Return for Risk

CALF vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

CALF

CALF Risk / Return Rank: 58
CALF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
CALF Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
CALF Omega Ratio Rank: 46
CALF Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
CALF Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 60
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

CALF vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF) 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.

	CALF	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	1.82	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	2.59	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.31	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.22	3.38	+0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.59	12.38	-0.80

CALF vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CALF Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is comparable to the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CALF 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.

Drawdowns

CALF vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CALF drawdown since its inception was -47.58%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CALF and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	CALF	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.58%	-59.56%	+11.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.15%	-8.98%	+2.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.22%	-25.36%	-8.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.22%	-28.15%	-6.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.33%	-0.39%	-3.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.69%	-8.42%	-2.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.23%	2.44%	-0.21%

Volatility

CALF vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF) has a higher volatility of 5.39% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 4.92%. This indicates that CALF'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

	CALF	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.39%	4.92%	+0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.92%	12.21%	-1.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.05%	16.66%	-0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.39%	20.78%	+2.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.97%	21.45%	+4.52%

CALF vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

CALF has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

CALF vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

CALF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.24%, more than VB's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CALF Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF	1.24%	1.43%	1.07%	1.18%	0.85%	2.63%	0.82%	0.99%	1.39%	0.70%	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

Can I hold both CALF and VB in my portfolio?

CALF and VB have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CALF or VB?

CALF has higher volatility (5.39%) compared to VB (4.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CALF dropped -47.58% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, CALF or VB?

On 5-year performance, VB leads with 7.39% vs 3.73% for CALF. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 4.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CALF or VB?

Over the 5-year period, VB has performed better with a 7.39% return vs 3.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CALF or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for CALF.

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

CALF has the higher dividend yield at 1.24%, compared with 1.18% for VB.

What is the main difference between CALF and VB?

CALF tracks Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Index, while VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for CALF and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.62), 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.