CIPSX vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CIPSX (Champlain Small Company Fund) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both funds - CIPSX is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Champlain Funds, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Over the past 10 years, CIPSX returned 7.54%/yr vs 11.01%/yr for VBR. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CIPSX charges 1.26%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

CIPSX vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Champlain Small Company Fund (CIPSX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CIPSX achieves a 5.10% return, which is significantly lower than VBR's 13.29% return. Over the past 10 years, CIPSX has underperformed VBR with an annualized return of 7.54%, while VBR has yielded a comparatively higher 11.01% annualized return.

CIPSX

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 3.03%
• YTD: 5.10%
• 6M: 2.73%
• 1Y: -16.89%
• 3Y*: 2.18%
• 5Y*: -1.67%
• 10Y*: 7.54%

VBR

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 2.54%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 11.72%
• 1Y: 26.18%
• 3Y*: 16.90%
• 5Y*: 8.59%
• 10Y*: 11.01%

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

CIPSX vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CIPSX Champlain Small Company Fund	5.10%	-22.88%	23.09%	14.01%	-20.83%	12.37%	24.14%	25.02%	-3.35%	10.56%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	13.29%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between CIPSX and VBR is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 1, 2004	0.91

The correlation between CIPSX and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CIPSX vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

CIPSX

CIPSX Risk / Return Rank: 1
CIPSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
CIPSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
CIPSX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
CIPSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
CIPSX Martin Ratio Rank: 1

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 55
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

CIPSX vs. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Champlain Small Company Fund (CIPSX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR). 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.

	CIPSX	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.60	1.72	-2.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.60	2.54	-3.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.30	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.50	2.97	-3.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.91	10.49	-11.40

CIPSX vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CIPSX Sharpe Ratio is -0.60, which is lower than the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CIPSX and VBR, 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

CIPSX vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CIPSX drawdown since its inception was -46.42%, smaller than the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CIPSX and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	CIPSX	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.42%	-61.98%	+15.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-31.56%	-8.85%	-22.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.27%	-24.19%	-9.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.62%	-24.19%	-10.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.09%	-45.28%	+9.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.05%	-1.14%	-20.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.49%	-8.25%	-0.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.34%	2.50%	+14.84%

Volatility

CIPSX vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

Champlain Small Company Fund (CIPSX) has a higher volatility of 4.98% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) at 3.98%. This indicates that CIPSX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VBR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CIPSX	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.98%	3.98%	+1.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.71%	10.66%	+2.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.26%	15.30%	+10.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.59%	19.73%	+2.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.85%	21.71%	+0.14%

CIPSX vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

CIPSX has a 1.26% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

CIPSX vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

CIPSX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIPSX Champlain Small Company Fund	0.00%	0.00%	16.74%	6.39%	0.36%	4.45%	6.11%	7.96%	13.29%	9.78%	2.72%	2.67%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.73%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CIPSX and VBR in my portfolio?

CIPSX and VBR have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CIPSX or VBR?

CIPSX has higher volatility (4.98%) compared to VBR (3.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CIPSX dropped -46.42% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs -0.60), 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.