DIVB vs. VBK
DIVB (iShares Core Dividend ETF) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DIVB is a Dividend fund tracking the Morningstar US Dividend and Buyback Index, while VBK is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DIVB returned 12.24%/yr vs 4.87%/yr for VBK. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.05% expense ratio.
Performance
DIVB vs. VBK - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DIVB achieves a 17.67% return, which is significantly higher than VBK's 16.25% return.
DIVB
- 1D
- 1.11%
- 1M
- 6.33%
- YTD
- 17.67%
- 6M
- 16.46%
- 1Y
- 29.56%
- 3Y*
- 21.12%
- 5Y*
- 12.24%
- 10Y*
- —
VBK
- 1D
- 0.33%
- 1M
- 3.93%
- YTD
- 16.25%
- 6M
- 14.67%
- 1Y
- 31.85%
- 3Y*
- 16.10%
- 5Y*
- 4.87%
- 10Y*
- 11.82%
DIVB vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DIVB iShares Core Dividend ETF | 17.67% | 15.09% | 18.59% | 13.27% | -10.51% | 31.29% | 10.78% | 32.72% | -8.16% | 5.95% |
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF | 16.25% | 8.50% | 16.50% | 21.45% | -28.44% | 5.66% | 35.44% | 32.75% | -5.70% | 3.19% |
Correlation
The correlation between DIVB and VBK is 0.67, 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 | 0.67 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.74 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.78 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2017 | 0.75 |
The correlation between DIVB and VBK shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.78 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
DIVB vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank
DIVB
VBK
DIVB vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core Dividend ETF (DIVB) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). 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.
| DIVB | VBK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.93 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.30 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.43 | 1.26 | +0.17 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 4.16 | 2.62 | +1.54 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 14.00 | 9.82 | +4.18 |
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Drawdowns
DIVB vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DIVB drawdown since its inception was -36.93%, smaller than the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DIVB and VBK.
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Drawdown Indicators
| DIVB | VBK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -36.93% | -58.68% | +21.75% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -6.82% | -11.44% | +4.62% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -15.45% | -27.54% | +12.09% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -21.08% | -38.39% | +17.31% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -38.70% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.66% | -2.04% | +1.38% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -4.98% | -10.14% | +5.16% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.03% | 3.05% | -1.02% |
Volatility
DIVB vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares Core Dividend ETF (DIVB) is 4.48%, while Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) has a volatility of 7.31%. This indicates that DIVB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VBK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| DIVB | VBK | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.48% | 7.31% | -2.83% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 8.81% | 15.61% | -6.80% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.69% | 19.96% | -8.27% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 15.29% | 23.59% | -8.30% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 18.38% | 22.92% | -4.54% |
DIVB vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both DIVB and VBK have an expense ratio of 0.05%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
DIVB vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison
DIVB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.18%, more than VBK's 0.45% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DIVB iShares Core Dividend ETF | 2.18% | 2.50% | 2.61% | 3.18% | 2.02% | 1.63% | 2.08% | 2.07% | 2.52% | 0.37% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF | 0.45% | 0.54% | 0.54% | 0.68% | 0.55% | 0.36% | 0.44% | 0.57% | 0.79% | 0.82% | 1.08% | 0.98% |
Frequently Asked Questions
DIVB and VBK have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VBK has higher volatility (7.31%) compared to DIVB (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DIVB dropped -36.93% vs VBK's -58.68%.
On 5-year performance, DIVB leads with 12.24% vs 4.87% for VBK. Both ETFs have the same 0.05% expense ratio. On volatility, DIVB has been the lower-risk option at 4.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, DIVB has performed better with a 12.24% return vs 4.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
DIVB and VBK have the same expense ratio: 0.05% per year.
DIVB has the higher dividend yield at 2.18%, compared with 0.45% for VBK.
DIVB is categorized as Dividend, while VBK is Small Cap Growth Equities. DIVB tracks Morningstar US Dividend and Buyback Index, while VBK tracks CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard.
DIVB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.50), 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.
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