CGBL vs. VB

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

CGBL (Capital Group Core Balanced ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CGBL is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Capital Group, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. CGBL is actively managed, while VB is passively managed. Over the past year, CGBL returned 16.04% vs 28.72% for VB. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CGBL charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

CGBL vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group Core Balanced ETF (CGBL) 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, CGBL achieves a 6.54% return, which is significantly lower than VB's 15.33% return.

CGBL

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 6.54%
• 6M: 7.15%
• 1Y: 16.04%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

CGBL vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CGBL Capital Group Core Balanced ETF	6.54%	15.33%	16.64%	10.10%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	15.33%	8.87%	14.17%	14.26%

Correlation

The correlation between CGBL and VB is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2023	0.82

The correlation between CGBL and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

CGBL vs. VB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGBL	VB
Technology	29.9%	17.2%
Industrials	16.6%	20.8%
Financial Services	11.8%	12.6%
Healthcare	8.9%	11.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	11.3%
Communication Services	8.4%	3.1%
Basic Materials	7.2%	4.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	3.4%
Utilities	2.5%	3.3%
Energy	2.0%	4.7%
Real Estate	0.0%	7.6%

Return for Risk

CGBL vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGBL

CGBL Risk / Return Rank: 53
CGBL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
CGBL Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
CGBL Omega Ratio Rank: 54
CGBL Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
CGBL Martin Ratio Rank: 57

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 64
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 55
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

CGBL vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group Core Balanced ETF (CGBL) 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.

	CGBL	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	1.73	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	2.47	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.30	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	3.21	-1.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.90	11.80	-2.90

CGBL vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGBL Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGBL 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

CGBL vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGBL drawdown since its inception was -11.66%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGBL and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGBL	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.66%	-59.56%	+47.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.88%	-8.98%	+1.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.15%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.45%	0.00%	-1.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.30%	-8.43%	+7.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.81%	2.44%	-0.63%

Volatility

CGBL vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Capital Group Core Balanced ETF (CGBL) is 4.21%, while Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) has a volatility of 5.41%. This indicates that CGBL 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.

Volatility by Period

	CGBL	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.21%	5.41%	-1.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.44%	12.24%	-3.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.12%	16.68%	-6.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.14%	20.80%	-9.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.14%	21.44%	-10.30%

CGBL vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGBL has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGBL vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

CGBL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.87%, more than VB's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGBL Capital Group Core Balanced ETF	1.87%	1.98%	1.92%	0.48%	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

Can I hold both CGBL and VB in my portfolio?

CGBL and VB have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CGBL or VB?

VB has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to CGBL (4.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGBL dropped -11.66% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, CGBL or VB?

On 1-year performance, VB leads with 28.72% vs 16.04% for CGBL. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, CGBL has been the lower-risk option at 4.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGBL or VB?

Over the 1-year period, VB has performed better with a 28.72% return vs 16.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGBL or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for CGBL.

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

CGBL has the higher dividend yield at 1.87%, compared with 1.18% for VB.

What is the main difference between CGBL and VB?

CGBL is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while VB is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for CGBL and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.59), 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.