FSML vs. VB
FSML (Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. FSML is actively managed, while VB is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FSML charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VB.
Performance
FSML vs. VB - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FSML achieves a 24.73% return, which is significantly higher than VB's 18.29% return.
FSML
- 1D
- -0.58%
- 1M
- 0.95%
- 6M
- 17.92%
- YTD
- 24.73%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- —
VB
- 1D
- -0.81%
- 1M
- 0.47%
- 6M
- 12.11%
- YTD
- 18.29%
- 1Y
- 27.26%
- 3Y*
- 15.73%
- 5Y*
- 7.87%
- 10Y*
- 11.17%
- ALL TIME*
- 10.01%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $110.20K | $77.53K | $1.26M | |
| $131.72M | $125.44M | $163.55M |
FSML vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF | 24.73% | -3.75% |
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF | 18.29% | -1.71% |
Correlation
The correlation between FSML and VB is 0.93, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2025 | 0.93 |
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Return for Risk
FSML vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank
FSML
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
VB
FSML vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) 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.
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.
| FSML | VB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.29 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 3.05 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 11.13 | — |
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Drawdowns
FSML vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FSML drawdown since its inception was -10.83%, smaller than the maximum VB drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSML and VB.
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Drawdown Indicators
| FSML | VB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -10.83% | -59.56% | +48.73% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -8.98% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -25.36% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -28.15% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -42.05% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.98% | -0.81% | -0.17% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.44% | -8.38% | +5.94% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 2.46% | — |
Volatility
FSML vs. VB - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| FSML | VB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 4.12% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 12.21% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 20.28% | 16.47% | +3.81% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 20.28% | 20.72% | -0.44% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.28% | 21.39% | -1.11% |
FSML vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison
FSML has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.03% expense ratio.
Dividends
FSML vs. VB - Dividend Comparison
FSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than VB's 1.19% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF | 0.39% | 0.06% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF | 1.19% | 1.33% | 1.30% | 1.55% | 1.59% | 1.24% | 1.14% | 1.39% | 1.67% | 1.35% | 1.50% | 1.48% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.93, FSML and VB 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.
On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VB is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FSML.
VB has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.39% for FSML.
They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FSML and 0.03% for VB.
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