DEVLX vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DEVLX (Delaware Small Cap Value Fund) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both Small Cap Value Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, DEVLX returned 9.87%/yr vs 11.02%/yr for VBR. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DEVLX charges 1.11%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

DEVLX vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Delaware Small Cap Value Fund (DEVLX) 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, DEVLX achieves a 19.44% return, which is significantly higher than VBR's 13.42% return. Over the past 10 years, DEVLX has underperformed VBR with an annualized return of 9.87%, while VBR has yielded a comparatively higher 11.02% annualized return.

DEVLX

• 1D: 1.46%
• 1M: 4.06%
• YTD: 19.44%
• 6M: 17.08%
• 1Y: 32.67%
• 3Y*: 15.69%
• 5Y*: 8.77%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

VBR

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 2.65%
• YTD: 13.42%
• 6M: 11.41%
• 1Y: 27.72%
• 3Y*: 16.95%
• 5Y*: 8.85%
• 10Y*: 11.02%

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

DEVLX vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DEVLX Delaware Small Cap Value Fund	19.44%	7.66%	10.87%	9.22%	-12.46%	33.85%	-0.79%	27.85%	-17.70%	11.69%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	13.42%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between DEVLX and VBR is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.97

The correlation between DEVLX and VBR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DEVLX vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

DEVLX

DEVLX Risk / Return Rank: 61
DEVLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
DEVLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
DEVLX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
DEVLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
DEVLX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 59
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 52
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

DEVLX vs. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Delaware Small Cap Value Fund (DEVLX) 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.

	DEVLX	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	1.82	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.67	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.31	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.50	3.14	+0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.01	11.11	+0.90

DEVLX vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DEVLX Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DEVLX 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

DEVLX vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DEVLX drawdown since its inception was -60.08%, roughly equal to the maximum VBR drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DEVLX and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DEVLX	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.08%	-61.98%	+1.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.44%	-8.85%	-0.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.80%	-24.19%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.80%	-24.19%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.48%	-45.28%	-1.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.03%	+1.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.28%	-8.25%	-0.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	2.50%	+0.24%

Volatility

DEVLX vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

Delaware Small Cap Value Fund (DEVLX) has a higher volatility of 4.51% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) at 3.97%. This indicates that DEVLX'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

	DEVLX	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.51%	3.97%	+0.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.62%	10.66%	+0.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.58%	15.33%	+1.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.95%	19.73%	+1.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.52%	21.75%	+1.77%

DEVLX vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DEVLX has a 1.11% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

DEVLX vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

DEVLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.52%, more than VBR's 1.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DEVLX Delaware Small Cap Value Fund	11.52%	13.76%	12.67%	7.54%	4.37%	4.43%	1.37%	4.29%	8.80%	1.34%	0.52%	7.01%
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 DEVLX and VBR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DEVLX and VBR move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DEVLX or VBR?

DEVLX has higher volatility (4.51%) compared to VBR (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DEVLX dropped -60.08% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DEVLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.82), 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.