CGDG vs. VB

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

CGDG (Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CGDG is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Capital Group, while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. CGDG is actively managed, while VB is passively managed. Over the past year, CGDG returned 14.02% vs 25.97% for VB. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CGDG charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

CGDG vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) 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, CGDG achieves a 4.06% return, which is significantly lower than VB's 12.60% return.

CGDG

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: -0.38%
• YTD: 4.06%
• 6M: 5.30%
• 1Y: 14.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VB

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 12.60%
• 6M: 12.39%
• 1Y: 25.97%
• 3Y*: 15.91%
• 5Y*: 6.58%
• 10Y*: 11.18%

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

CGDG vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CGDG Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF	4.06%	22.74%	11.52%	9.54%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	12.60%	8.87%	14.17%	13.12%

Correlation

The correlation between CGDG and VB is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2023	0.81

The correlation between CGDG and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

CGDG vs. VB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGDG	VB
Financial Services	20.0%	12.6%
Technology	14.1%	17.2%
Industrials	11.4%	20.8%
Consumer Defensive	10.1%	3.4%
Healthcare	8.8%	11.1%
Utilities	8.7%	3.3%
Energy	7.8%	4.7%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	11.3%
Basic Materials	5.0%	4.8%
Communication Services	3.2%	3.1%
Real Estate	3.2%	7.6%

Return for Risk

CGDG vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGDG

CGDG Risk / Return Rank: 41
CGDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
CGDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
CGDG Omega Ratio Rank: 38
CGDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
CGDG Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 56
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

CGDG vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) 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.

	CGDG	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.59	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.86	2.28	-0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.28	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	2.91	-1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.01	10.66	-3.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CGDG vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGDG Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGDG 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

	CGDG	VB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.31	1.59	-0.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.32	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.49	0.44	+1.05

Drawdowns

CGDG vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGDG drawdown since its inception was -10.52%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGDG and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGDG	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.52%	-59.56%	+49.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.72%	-8.98%	+1.26%
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	-2.28%	-2.04%	-0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.32%	-8.43%	+7.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	2.44%	-0.44%

Volatility

CGDG vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) is 2.82%, while Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) has a volatility of 4.62%. This indicates that CGDG 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

	CGDG	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.82%	4.62%	-1.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.35%	11.97%	-3.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.73%	16.45%	-5.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.16%	20.77%	-8.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.16%	21.44%	-9.28%

CGDG vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGDG has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGDG vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

CGDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.90%, more than VB's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGDG Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF	1.90%	1.95%	2.15%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.21%	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 CGDG and VB in my portfolio?

CGDG and VB have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CGDG or VB?

VB has higher volatility (4.62%) compared to CGDG (2.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGDG dropped -10.52% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, CGDG or VB?

On 1-year performance, VB leads with 25.97% vs 14.02% for CGDG. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, CGDG has been the lower-risk option at 2.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGDG or VB?

Over the 1-year period, VB has performed better with a 25.97% return vs 14.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGDG or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for CGDG.

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

CGDG has the higher dividend yield at 1.90%, compared with 1.21% for VB.

What is the main difference between CGDG and VB?

CGDG is categorized as Global Equities, while VB is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for CGDG and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 1.31), 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.