GABSX vs. VBK

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

GABSX (Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund) and VBK (Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF) are both funds - GABSX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Gabelli, while VBK is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, GABSX returned 10.35%/yr vs 11.86%/yr for VBK. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GABSX charges 1.38%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VBK.

Performance

GABSX vs. VBK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund (GABSX) 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, GABSX achieves a 9.01% return, which is significantly lower than VBK's 18.67% return. Over the past 10 years, GABSX has underperformed VBK with an annualized return of 10.35%, while VBK has yielded a comparatively higher 11.86% annualized return.

GABSX

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: -0.83%
• YTD: 9.01%
• 6M: 10.35%
• 1Y: 23.49%
• 3Y*: 13.88%
• 5Y*: 7.80%
• 10Y*: 10.35%

VBK

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 6.15%
• YTD: 18.67%
• 6M: 19.38%
• 1Y: 36.00%
• 3Y*: 18.15%
• 5Y*: 6.14%
• 10Y*: 11.86%

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

GABSX vs. VBK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GABSX Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund	9.01%	8.65%	10.22%	21.45%	-12.63%	24.82%	13.63%	21.56%	-15.25%	19.05%
VBK Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF	18.67%	8.50%	16.50%	21.45%	-28.44%	5.66%	35.44%	32.75%	-5.70%	21.87%

Correlation

The correlation between GABSX and VBK is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.90

The correlation between GABSX and VBK shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (1 year) to 0.90 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GABSX vs. VBK — Risk / Return Rank

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

GABSX

GABSX Risk / Return Rank: 24
GABSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
GABSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
GABSX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
GABSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
GABSX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VBK

VBK Risk / Return Rank: 57
VBK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
VBK Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VBK Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VBK Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VBK Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

GABSX vs. VBK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund (GABSX) 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.

	GABSX	VBK	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.36	1.89	-0.52
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	2.58	-0.47
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.31	-0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.95	3.19	-1.24
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.54	12.19	-5.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GABSX vs. VBK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GABSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.36, which is comparable to the VBK Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GABSX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GABSX	VBK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.36	1.89	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.26	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	0.52	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.64	0.43	+0.20

Drawdowns

GABSX vs. VBK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GABSX drawdown since its inception was -57.24%, roughly equal to the maximum VBK drawdown of -58.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GABSX and VBK.

Drawdown Indicators

	GABSX	VBK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.24%	-58.68%	+1.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.45%	-11.44%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.43%	-27.54%	+4.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.19%	-38.39%	+13.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.74%	-38.70%	-2.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.40%	0.00%	-2.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.98%	-10.16%	+3.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.42%	2.99%	+0.43%

Volatility

GABSX vs. VBK - Volatility Comparison

Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund (GABSX) and Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) have volatilities of 5.17% and 5.20%, 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

	GABSX	VBK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.17%	5.20%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.20%	14.62%	-2.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.53%	19.17%	-2.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.07%	23.48%	-4.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.99%	22.86%	-2.87%

GABSX vs. VBK - Expense Ratio Comparison

GABSX has a 1.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VBK's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

GABSX vs. VBK - Dividend Comparison

GABSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.65%, more than VBK's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GABSX Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund	3.65%	3.98%	6.61%	8.68%	9.53%	13.50%	22.21%	21.36%	4.70%	5.38%	3.87%	3.78%
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 GABSX and VBK in my portfolio?

GABSX and VBK have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GABSX or VBK?

VBK has higher volatility (5.20%) compared to GABSX (5.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GABSX dropped -57.24% vs VBK's -58.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.36), 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.