FSGS vs. VB
Compare and contrast key facts about First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB).
FSGS and VB are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. FSGS is a passively managed fund by First Trust that tracks the performance of the SMID Growth Strength Index. It was launched on Jun 20, 2017. VB is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the CRSP US Small Cap. It was launched on Jan 26, 2004. Both FSGS and VB are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Performance
FSGS vs. VB - Performance Comparison
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FSGS vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FSGS First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF | -4.02% | 2.41% | 6.38% | 15.98% | -13.17% | 25.56% | 10.26% | 21.31% | -11.92% | 10.39% |
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF | 1.92% | 8.87% | 14.17% | 18.22% | -17.51% | 17.57% | 19.19% | 27.34% | -9.34% | 10.73% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FSGS achieves a -4.02% return, which is significantly lower than VB's 1.92% return.
FSGS
- 1D
- 2.68%
- 1M
- -4.80%
- YTD
- -4.02%
- 6M
- -6.45%
- 1Y
- 6.83%
- 3Y*
- 4.89%
- 5Y*
- 2.15%
- 10Y*
- —
VB
- 1D
- 3.18%
- 1M
- -5.13%
- YTD
- 1.92%
- 6M
- 3.76%
- 1Y
- 19.75%
- 3Y*
- 13.04%
- 5Y*
- 5.35%
- 10Y*
- 10.51%
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FSGS vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison
FSGS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
FSGS vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank
FSGS
VB
FSGS vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). 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.
| FSGS | VB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.34 | 0.91 | -0.56 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 0.66 | 1.41 | -0.75 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.08 | 1.19 | -0.11 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.57 | 1.39 | -0.82 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 1.72 | 5.97 | -4.24 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| FSGS | VB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.34 | 0.91 | -0.56 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.11 | 0.26 | -0.15 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | — | 0.49 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.28 | 0.42 | -0.14 |
Correlation
The correlation between FSGS and VB is 0.84, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
FSGS vs. VB - Dividend Comparison
FSGS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FSGS First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF | 0.00% | 0.00% | 2.71% | 2.29% | 1.95% | 1.35% | 1.32% | 1.77% | 2.13% | 1.15% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF | 1.34% | 1.33% | 1.30% | 1.55% | 1.59% | 1.24% | 1.14% | 1.39% | 1.67% | 1.35% | 1.50% | 1.48% |
Drawdowns
FSGS vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FSGS drawdown since its inception was -43.26%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSGS and VB.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FSGS | VB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -43.26% | -59.56% | +16.30% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.84% | -14.29% | +2.45% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -24.08% | -28.15% | +4.07% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -42.05% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -9.71% | -6.08% | -3.63% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -8.08% | -8.49% | +0.41% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.89% | 3.32% | +0.57% |
Volatility
FSGS vs. VB - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS) is 5.40%, while Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) has a volatility of 6.84%. This indicates that FSGS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| FSGS | VB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.40% | 6.84% | -1.44% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.33% | 12.60% | -1.27% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 19.90% | 21.86% | -1.96% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.16% | 20.78% | -0.62% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.95% | 21.40% | +1.55% |