DLR vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

DLR (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) is a stock, while VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) is Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, DLR returned 9.82%/yr vs 12.03%/yr for VBK. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

DLR vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DLR achieves a 21.13% return, which is significantly higher than VBK's 18.24% return. Over the past 10 years, DLR has underperformed VBK with an annualized return of 9.82%, while VBK has yielded a comparatively higher 12.03% annualized return.

DLR

• 1D: 1.05%
• 1M: -1.26%
• YTD: 21.13%
• 6M: 22.57%
• 1Y: 9.04%
• 3Y*: 24.50%
• 5Y*: 6.84%
• 10Y*: 9.82%

VBK

• 1D: 1.71%
• 1M: 5.71%
• YTD: 18.24%
• 6M: 17.85%
• 1Y: 34.10%
• 3Y*: 16.97%
• 5Y*: 5.40%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

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

DLR vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DLR Digital Realty Trust, Inc.	21.13%	-10.07%	35.90%	39.95%	-41.00%	30.66%	20.37%	16.52%	-3.00%	19.80%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	18.24%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%

Correlation

The correlation between DLR and VBK is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 29, 2004	0.48

The correlation between DLR and VBK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.42 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DLR vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

DLR

DLR Risk / Return Rank: 53
DLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
DLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DLR Omega Ratio Rank: 47
DLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
DLR Martin Ratio Rank: 57

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 59
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

DLR vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR) 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.

	DLR	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.40	1.72	-1.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.73	2.35	-1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.29	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.54	2.99	-2.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.32	11.23	-9.91

DLR vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLR Sharpe Ratio is 0.40, which is lower than the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLR and VBK, 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

DLR vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLR drawdown since its inception was -56.80%, roughly equal to the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLR and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLR	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.80%	-58.68%	+1.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.83%	-11.44%	-5.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.40%	-27.54%	-1.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.52%	-38.39%	-10.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.52%	-38.70%	-9.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.72%	-0.36%	-8.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.13%	-10.14%	-0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.84%	3.04%	+3.80%

Volatility

DLR vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) have volatilities of 7.72% and 7.47%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DLR	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.72%	7.47%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.32%	15.66%	+0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.82%	19.99%	+2.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.58%	23.60%	+4.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.20%	22.93%	+5.27%

Dividends

DLR vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

DLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.64%, more than VBK's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLR Digital Realty Trust, Inc.	2.64%	3.15%	2.75%	3.63%	4.87%	2.62%	3.21%	3.61%	3.79%	3.27%	3.58%	4.50%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.44%	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

Can I hold both DLR and VBK in my portfolio?

DLR and VBK have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DLR or VBK?

DLR has higher volatility (7.72%) compared to VBK (7.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLR dropped -56.80% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 0.40), 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.