EPI vs. VBR

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

EPI (WisdomTree India Earnings Fund) and VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EPI is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree India Earnings Index, while VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EPI returned 9.04%/yr vs 10.50%/yr for VBR. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EPI charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VBR.

Performance

EPI vs. VBR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (EPI) 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, EPI achieves a -10.46% return, which is significantly lower than VBR's 11.45% return. Over the past 10 years, EPI has underperformed VBR with an annualized return of 9.04%, while VBR has yielded a comparatively higher 10.50% annualized return.

EPI

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -5.15%
• YTD: -10.46%
• 6M: -7.79%
• 1Y: -11.22%
• 3Y*: 7.35%
• 5Y*: 5.30%
• 10Y*: 9.04%

VBR

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 11.45%
• 6M: 12.14%
• 1Y: 24.85%
• 3Y*: 15.60%
• 5Y*: 7.78%
• 10Y*: 10.50%

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

EPI vs. VBR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EPI WisdomTree India Earnings Fund	-10.46%	2.25%	10.70%	26.03%	-4.74%	26.41%	18.55%	1.53%	-9.88%	39.14%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	11.45%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-9.38%	28.08%	5.90%	22.78%	-12.28%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between EPI and VBR is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.41
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 27, 2008	0.55

The correlation between EPI and VBR shifts across timeframes, from 0.37 (1 year) to 0.55 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EPI vs. VBR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPI	VBR
Financial Services	23.4%	17.6%
Energy	17.3%	5.2%
Basic Materials	13.5%	6.3%
Industrials	9.7%	18.1%
Utilities	8.4%	4.8%
Technology	8.3%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	12.4%
Healthcare	5.5%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.5%	4.0%
Communication Services	2.0%	2.5%
Real Estate	0.9%	10.1%

Return for Risk

EPI vs. VBR — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPI

EPI Risk / Return Rank: 3
EPI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
EPI Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
EPI Omega Ratio Rank: 3
EPI Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
EPI Martin Ratio Rank: 1

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 57
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 51
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.

EPI vs. VBR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (EPI) 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.

	EPI	VBR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.75	1.65	-2.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.00	2.43	-3.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.89	1.29	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.67	2.82	-3.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.61	9.94	-11.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EPI vs. VBR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPI Sharpe Ratio is -0.75, which is lower than the VBR Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPI 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EPI	VBR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.75	1.65	-2.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33	0.40	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	0.49	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.13	0.42	-0.28

Drawdowns

EPI vs. VBR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPI drawdown since its inception was -66.21%, which is greater than VBR's maximum drawdown of -61.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPI and VBR.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPI	VBR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.21%	-61.98%	-4.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.88%	-8.85%	-8.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.89%	-24.19%	+2.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.89%	-24.19%	+2.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.29%	-45.28%	-5.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.22%	-0.95%	-17.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.65%	-8.26%	-10.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.00%	2.51%	+4.49%

Volatility

EPI vs. VBR - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (EPI) has a higher volatility of 4.88% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) at 3.67%. This indicates that EPI'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

	EPI	VBR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.88%	3.67%	+1.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.90%	10.49%	+2.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.03%	15.16%	-0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.22%	19.77%	-3.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.36%	21.74%	-1.38%

EPI vs. VBR - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPI has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than VBR's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPI vs. VBR - Dividend Comparison

EPI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.76%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPI WisdomTree India Earnings Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.27%	0.15%	6.01%	1.18%	0.78%	1.17%	1.18%	0.85%	1.05%	1.20%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.76%	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 EPI and VBR in my portfolio?

EPI and VBR have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EPI or VBR?

EPI has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to VBR (3.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPI dropped -66.21% vs VBR's -61.98%.

Which ETF is better, EPI or VBR?

On 10-year performance, VBR leads with 10.50% vs 9.04% for EPI. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 3.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPI or VBR?

Over the 10-year period, VBR has performed better with a 10.50% return vs 9.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPI or VBR?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for EPI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EPI or VBR?

VBR has the higher dividend yield at 1.76%, compared with 0.00% for EPI.

What is the main difference between EPI and VBR?

EPI is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while VBR is Small Cap Value Equities. EPI tracks WisdomTree India Earnings Index, while VBR tracks CRSP US Small Cap Value Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.84% for EPI and 0.05% for VBR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs -0.75), 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.